<p>Sending big hugs your way</p>
<p>Hugs and prayers.</p>
<p>The time will pass no matter what any of you do during it - whether that time be used constructively or wasted. Your job is to not fall apart while your son is incarcerated, to visit him, to let him know that he is loved unconditionally. Your other job, if you want it, is to learn as much as possible about how felons can be reintroduced into society, get and hold jobs, and become productive people, not multiple offenders. </p>
<p>Your son’s job is keep his nose clean (for the inherent good in it; to help with early parole, if possible; and to develop good habits for his eventual reintroduction). His other job is to take advantage of any opportunities that are in prison - learning new skills, exercising, going to Bible study if that’s his thing. He has some power over whether his sentence is punitive or rehabilitative, and frankly, that is about the only power he has.</p>
<p>Fauxmaven, all my good thoughts to you and your son and the rest of your family.</p>
<p>Sending you hugs and prayers. You have incredible strength and courage to share this with all of us.</p>
<p>I can’t begin to imagine how you’re feeling. Stay strong for yourself as well as your son. Thinking of you and sending big hugs your way.</p>
<p>Stay strong!!! We are thinking of you and sending positive thoughts to your son…</p>
<p>OP:</p>
<p>Sending positive thoughts your way. I’ve heard it said that it’s much worse for the family “on the outside” than it is for the person on the “inside”.</p>
<p>Hoping the time will go VERY quickly and you both will be reunited once again. HUGS to you during this very difficult time in your life. Hope things turn around for him real soon.</p>
<p>I’m adding my support to the eloquent comments written by previous posters.</p>
<p>(((Hugs)))))</p>
<p>Prisons are full of innocent people, or so they will say. Some spend their days in the law library, figuring out all the ways their lawyer flubbed their case. That may be interesting but does not occupy the mind with reflection, taking responsibility, feeling genuine remorse for causing others fear or grief, and resolving to do differently in the future. </p>
<p>There are prison chaplains who can help with that lengthy process of thought. If you begin to hear him impressed with others’ innocence, or he begins to redo his own case, try to redirect his attention. That’s so painful between son and mother, that it might be better to encourage him to confide in a pastor there. (It’s a lot harder than Bible study, although that may be part of the time.) </p>
<p>Rehabilitation is a rebuilding process. Chaplains can help him on that journey. It’s irrelevant if he’s ever been to church before, he can try it now. He will also bond with those men who are trying hard to regroup spiritually, so he won’t feel quite so alone. Ultimately, if the chaplain knows his thinking and it is sincere, he can attest to that at a parole hearing.</p>
<p>Dear faux , hoping for the best as far as his placement went.
There but for the grace of God are most of us. Kids screw up. Then they Learn.</p>
<p>Hugs, faux. I think of you frequently, and wish you the best through this next painful week and what follows. Previously I mentioned my friend who had been through this. Her son is doing very well, if still on parole. Hoping that you can see light at the end of this tunnel. </p>
<p>How is HE feeling? The rest of the family? </p>
<p>You will be in my thoughts this next week.</p>
<p>Sending prayers for you, your son and family that time passes quickly and you maintain your strength</p>
<p>Thinking of you, Faux. I, too, will be hoping for the time to pass quickly. Please let us know how you are doing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.</p>
<p>Stay strong. I sent .you a PM</p>
<p>I missed all of the posts about this but wanted to let you know how sorry I am that you are going through this .</p>