Channel Button

There are 25 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #7 by Helium's members.

Relationships & Family   >

Relatives

Get a Widget for this title

Help and advice for relatives of prisoners

by Sicily

All over our nation, there are thousands behind bars. Now a days all those behind the bars, aren't drug addicts, and murders anymore. I have a loved one doing 11 to 23 months, for a charge he already did time for.

I never knew much about the legal system. During high school I had a few friends that were in and out of the clink, spending one or two nights, but that was it. I have seen the movies, where the guy gets locked up and his girl swears to wait for him. I never believed that if you were apart from someone that long, that you could maintain a relationship.

I have learned that time has no ill feelings when love is involved. I am a firm believer of that now. I never thought I would be able to stick it out, that I would be able to do the things I've done for him, or the simple task of staying faithful.

My fiancee has served almost 8 months of his sentence. A lot has changed since he has been gone. We have a beautiful daughter. A daughter he has seen pictures of, and got an hour visit through a piece of glass. A daughter he has never held, not even for a moment.

Right after he was sent to jail, my mind began racing. I had no idea what do to, or how to live without him. I did not realize how much I loved him and all his faults until they were not a part of my everyday life anymore. Stupid things like leaving the toilet seat up, or forgetting to recap the toothpaste no longer mattered. I wanted the simple things, nighttime kisses and early morning breakfast.

Most people look down on the family of inmates, because of where they are. I learned that not every inmate is a dope dealer off the streets. On my first visit to the county jail, I noticed a variety of characters. There were the typical stereotypes, young female, child, baby's father in jail. But there were a lot of things I did not expect. I never thought I would see a 45 year old white woman wearing Louis Vuitton shoes sitting there waiting to see her husband, but there she was.

Sometimes the best part of visiting him is the people I met in the lobby. People of all different neighborhoods, ethnic backgrounds, and ages. You sit and wait for an hour surrounded by people that are going through the same thing you are, so everyone does the same thing, brings up kind conversation. Most people will either tell you all about their inmate, or some won't bring them up at all. I have met a lot of great people, and it is nice to have someone to talk to who understands what you are going through.

On my last visit down to


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Help and advice for relatives of prisoners

  • 1 of 25

    by Greg W Huffman

    Are your sons and daughters safe in prison? Are they being fed and given medical attention? I know that having a relative

    read more

  • 2 of 25

    by Alan Fernald

    Dear Daddy. I went to school today. My teacher brought cookies and we played kickball and I did real good on my math. My

    read more

  • 3 of 25

    by Silva Payne

    You have a member of your family in prison and you really don't want to talk about it. Or do you?

    In the years I have been

    read more

  • 4 of 25

    by Monica Garrett

    Hand-written, snail mailed letters are a thing of the past for most people. If you love someone who is incarcerated, I hope

    read more

  • 5 of 25

    by c.l.beyer

    When a family member is incarcerated, calling the situation awkward is a bit of an understatement. Especially when the person

    read more

View All Articles on:
Help and advice for relatives of prisoners

Add your voice

Know something about Help and advice for relatives of prisoners?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Is it your duty to support your elderly parents financially when the need arises?

Click for your side.

100501

Featured Partner

Presidential Climate Action Project (PCAP)

The Presidential Climate Action Project (PCAP) has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause....more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA