My son is free and I want to thank you all...

[PeteysMom]

I haven't posted in a long time, but I do a lot of "lurking". My son was released about a month ago after a 5 year sentence.

I have been wanting to post over the past month; I don't really know why I didn't. There have been a lot of ups and downs in the last 30 days or so, but I was prepared for quite a few of them thanks to the shared experiences on these forums.

I just wanted to say thanks to you all for everything that you share - the heartache and the heartwarming, the good and the bad, the pain and the joy. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without you!

I told my son the other day that PrisonTalk is, without a doubt, the most loving and accepting group of people anywhere. Thank God I found you at the beginning of our journey.

My son spent 5 years of his young adult life in prison, and at first the psychological damage seemed even worse than I feared it would be (and certainly much worse than it seemed based on visits and phone conversations over the years), but I'm thrilled to report things seem to be calming down now.

We still have a long road ahead through the parole supervision process, but my efforts to play psychotherapist for several hours every day seem to be helping tremendously according to my son. All those psychology courses I took in college years ago have sure paid off.

If I can be of help to anyone, please let me know; I'd love to help someone as much as I have been helped here by so many of you. Thanks again for everything, and for those of you still waiting ~ stay strong and hold on. <3

[bluebella]

SO GLAD you did post!! I am so very happy for you and your son!!

I would so like to have some of your insight of what you ran into and what helped!! My son has less then two years on five. This is hs second bid and was out for only nine after being in for nine. I know has has hugh insight on why, and what not to do given the chance. He is on the fire crew and has never gotten a ticket on the inside. The routine and the comrodery and him helping others on working out and getting on the firecrew or just encouraging and others having something not good keeps him going. He won't have that in his face when he gets out. He will have more distractions, any insight would be so greatly appreciated.

[PeteysMom]

Originally Posted by bluebella

SO GLAD you did post!! I am so very happy for you and your son!!

I would so like to have some of your insight of what you ran into and what helped!! My son has less then two years on five. This is hs second bid and was out for only nine after being in for nine. I know has has hugh insight on why, and what not to do given the chance. He is on the fire crew and has never gotten a ticket on the inside. The routine and the comrodery and him helping others on working out and getting on the firecrew or just encouraging and others having something not good keeps him going. He won't have that in his face when he gets out. He will have more distractions, any insight would be so greatly appreciated.

My son has hated parole so far; he has a tether and GPS and a tight curfew. I quickly realized it wasn't his imagination that his parole officer was messing with his head. It has been painful to watch him go through what he perceives as mental torture, but now I am convinced his PO is doing it for good reasons. He has been tempted to break smaller rules and did so, but the PO scared the daylights out of him and let him know that behavior would not be tolerated and there would be no hesitation in throwing his ass in jail if necessary to get the point across. My son's behavior has improved dramatically.

So as much as I hate to say it - STRICT parole has been a blessing in disguise. Staying busy with work and other things they are supposed to be doing is a good thing too - less time to get in trouble with temptations. Therapy is a must as far as I'm concerned, I'm convinced they need it to analyze and monitor their own behavior and to cope with what they have been through.

[Bamagirl49]

I'm happy for another mom and your son I wish him the best when my son comes home in don't know about 18 more years or hopefully less the drama will just start and I'm not ready for it I wonder if I can take some courses to help
Take care

[1bird2]

THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL NEWS!!! You KNOW we need to hear the good stuff!!! I'm thankful that your son is adjusting .... and that he has you to help him stay on track for a beautiful, successful future!!!
I'll come looking for you many years from now!!!
Love and prayers, and celebrations!!!
XXOO

[Eddies mom]

Originally Posted by PeteysMom

I haven't posted in a long time, but I do a lot of "lurking". My son was released about a month ago after a 5 year sentence.

I have been wanting to post over the past month; I don't really know why I didn't. There have been a lot of ups and downs in the last 30 days or so, but I was prepared for quite a few of them thanks to the shared experiences on these forums.

I just wanted to say thanks to you all for everything that you share - the heartache and the heartwarming, the good and the bad, the pain and the joy. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without you!

I told my son the other day that PrisonTalk is, without a doubt, the most loving and accepting group of people anywhere. Thank God I found you at the beginning of our journey.

My son spent 5 years of his young adult life in prison, and at first the psychological damage seemed even worse than I feared it would be (and certainly much worse than it seemed based on visits and phone conversations over the years), but I'm thrilled to report things seem to be calming down now.

We still have a long road ahead through the parole supervision process, but my efforts to play psychotherapist for several hours every day seem to be helping tremendously according to my son. All those psychology courses I took in college years ago have sure paid off.

If I can be of help to anyone, please let me know; I'd love to help someone as much as I have been helped here by so many of you. Thanks again for everything, and for those of you still waiting ~ stay strong and hold on. <3

Thank you for your post, it is encouraging for us all. I'm concerned about the psychology, well put by you-I havent seen it at visitation or calls, or even in letters. Surely it manifests, admittedly your post made me look at that. You can help us by sharing your experience now that your son is home. We are hungry to know what the possibilities are, what to expect and what works and what may not at first, should we expect anger/agression/depression/ boucing off the walls? Thanks and prayers for you and your family.

[Patty]

Best wishes to you and your son. Keep us posted!