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Leslie Senevey's avatar

I know this is ultimately about your experience with your son being incarcerated, but I just came to say how sorry I am for the trauma you endured as a child. And thank goodness for your elephant grandad.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thank you for your heart. This was, by far, the most personal essay I've posted here and yes, a story that extends beyond my son and his current circumstances. Write what hurts, right? 😉

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Aleece LaRoche's avatar

I cannot imagine what they went through as grandparents and ALL the issues that piled on their hearts in the 90's. How they stood so strong and steadfast is a value I still need to find. I always noticed that when we walked into their home, grandma went right for my husband! She admired a strong family man. If he was missing...well, the kids and I were second best. Where is he? Working?! Okay...give him a hug for me, next time he needs to be here 😉. Look at their family line now and ALL the cycles we are trying to break 😊 Horrific childhood events (that we still live with) and somehow... overcoming. I give so much credit to them. Our mothers, through life altering events, were endlessly supported by a strong parental, spiritual duo.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Such truth! I think of grandpa and his refusal to talk bad about people. I think about how he did not seem to have any vices. I think about how he must have wanted to yell at times and the worst he would do is say a name and that was enough. He was powerful without any force. I admire him so much these days. ☺️

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Brandi's avatar

I love the part about your grandpa. Admitting he wasn't perfect, but at least intentionally present. Even if he didn't get it "right" all of the time, his intentionality can surpass any mistakes or wrongs.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thanks, Brandi. He was all the difference in my life.

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Marijo Grogan's avatar

Chilling facts that we should all know and be inspired to change.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Yes, ma'am. We have stayed silent far too long about things that are happening too often, to too many.

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Deb Zerafa's avatar

This is a back to the future years in the making nightmare 💔that changed the course of my life! I received a pre-law Bachelor’s degree in 1991 to understand how a law abiding mom (yours) could be arrested, charged and convicted of a crime she did not commit!! The system FAILED you and your family for over a decade and caused unspeakable lifelong harm to you and your 3 siblings 😭 The same system chugs on psychologically, mentally, physically and emotionally destroying countless unsuspecting children, parents, families, etc. I’m indebted to you for sharing and filling in some of the blanks…

Side Note: Around the same time your grandparents gave me a safe haven after rescuing me from a tyrant who left me broken and inhuman. Their unconditional love brought me back from the brink of despair. They were ALWAYS there for ALL their children, their grandchildren and the large extended family!!! They are my #1 HEROES ❤️🙏✝️

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Bridget Young's avatar

They sure did rescue a lot of us in the depths. It makes me both thankful and sad. 🖤

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