The family is being tortured and mentally imprisoned by the State. It must seem like these “nobodies/Karens” are empowered to be the judges and jurors in a never ending trial.
This hit hard. I’m asked the same question constantly ‘When are you getting out?’ and even though it always comes from a good place, my heart still sinks every time. Not knowing, living in the in-between, watching hope get dangled and yanked back again is its own quiet torture.
You captured that limbo so truthfully, especially how parole isn’t freedom but another gauntlet where one small thing can undo years of effort. The infantilising, the moving goalposts, the expectation that people somehow emerge fully formed after being reduced to property… it’s all painfully familiar.
Thank you for writing this with such clarity and humanity. It matters to many.
I am so sorry that you *know* this first-hand and my heart is with you as well. You are not alone, I write for all of those who can't and I will keep doing it until I am out of breath. Supporting you back, friend.
Heartbreaking 💔 X’s Billions 😡 Thank you for your brilliant writing ✍️ I’m certain it gives HOPE to the tens of thousands going through this with you and your family❣️
Gosh, I hope so. On the days I want to stop writing, I picture the prison yard and then I think of all of the families at home/all of the moms crying into a bathroom towel. If anyone can feel less alone or recognize something that they never did before in these stories, my purpose is fulfilled. :)
Good God your writing is powerful. I am always at a loss for words after reading it.
Sending you and your son all the positive energy I can muster. ❤️ I hope someday something good happens for you both that wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t endured this nightmare, and that it balances the scales just a little bit.
Thank you so much for sharing this struggle. I hope that your son gets parole soon. I didn't do as much time as he has, and it felt an eternity to me. Your son is a stronger man than I for lasting longer, under harsher conditions, and maintaining the right attitude about it.
It is amazing what any of us can find within ourselves to make it through the darkness. I can't imagine doing even one day. Not one hour in a locked cell. I'm so amazed by what men and women are capable of being and achieving in these barbaric environments. So thankful for your voice and ready to have my boy home!
I appreciate hearing directly from him. Bottom line, it's a business and has never been about helping people integrate into society on release. When the system thinks they're expected to reoffend, why bother? Bless his clear head. He's an amazing man to keep his head clear in these situations. Holding my breath for both of you.
Thanks for taking us on this journey with you, Bridget. Your honesty and emotion brings so much truth to the reality of how parole actually works. I think of you and your son often and pray he will soon come home to you.
Your posts always serve as a reminder of the things we take for granted out here in the world that those in prison world count as gifts to look forward to. Your son sounds like he knows what he needs to do to help his case. Blessings and prayers to you both.
Your writing is so powerful. I feel honored to have found you here. My mama heart feels very connected to you, and I am sending you and your son waves of love and support.
I'm sobered by this post. Angry. Sad. Infuriated. Enlightened. Your son's words about why he wants to come home brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for shining a light on what prison is really like and reminding us that it's full of human beings, just like all of us, who are just struggling to figure out how to live and how to change. Also appreciated the note about how unprepared folks are when they leave prison - like your son hasn't opened a door for himself in 5 years. Your voice is so important. Praying for your son in this hard season - may he walk beside you in the woods in the near future.
Thank you for sharing, Bridget. I am so angry with the system. You painted the picture well! Its sad and maddening what they have to go thru to get out! Hugs!
Thank you for writing and humanizing this experience for those who may not have walked it themselves or with a loved one. I returned home from incarceration almost two years ago now and fresh off a visit with my P.O. last month who told me, after I'd requested to move to phone check-in's versus in person (which takes almost half a day), that my request was denied permanently and that "it has nothing to do with you, there's nothing you can do that will change anything." I've toed the line, danced the dance, completed everything they've asked for years now and held out a measure of hope that doing all that would gain me my freedom sooner. The fallout when you realize it won't is intense and demoralizing, for everyone involved. I know it so hard for my loved ones as well, to simply bear witness as the system plays out with human lives in the balance. Sending much love to your whole family 🙏
Ugh. This is so unfair to you. You deserve to be seen for the changes you've made, for the person you are today. I choose to see you even if the system can't. Thank you for all of the work you've done, for every next right decision you have made. I hope you have peace knowing the truth about you. And damn it, I hope they give you a break somehow soon. Sending love in return to you and yours. 🖤
I don't think I can quantify the worst thing I have ever done...not because I am such a pure person but because I've made messes of so many things. I'd like to believe I am improving as I journey through life, but I don't believe the way to accomplish that is to have an authority figure(s) control every moment of that journey.
Oh my goodness, isn't this the truth? I have thought to myself: in which season of my life? There are some gnarly admissions that I would have to own and yes, I believe I continue to make positive changes every day. Thank you for your heart, for your life, and for your support.
Um, I didn’t come here to confess. But I almost wanted to because we could all be your son or you! Praying for you both 🙏🏽Amazing perspective and writing! 🤗❤️
Getting to know you a bit. Seems like you’re doing time with him.
Families do every minute with their loved ones. It is different but still so impacting.
The family is being tortured and mentally imprisoned by the State. It must seem like these “nobodies/Karens” are empowered to be the judges and jurors in a never ending trial.
This hit hard. I’m asked the same question constantly ‘When are you getting out?’ and even though it always comes from a good place, my heart still sinks every time. Not knowing, living in the in-between, watching hope get dangled and yanked back again is its own quiet torture.
You captured that limbo so truthfully, especially how parole isn’t freedom but another gauntlet where one small thing can undo years of effort. The infantilising, the moving goalposts, the expectation that people somehow emerge fully formed after being reduced to property… it’s all painfully familiar.
Thank you for writing this with such clarity and humanity. It matters to many.
Here to support you on this challenging journey.
I am so sorry that you *know* this first-hand and my heart is with you as well. You are not alone, I write for all of those who can't and I will keep doing it until I am out of breath. Supporting you back, friend.
Admirable stuff.
Heartbreaking 💔 X’s Billions 😡 Thank you for your brilliant writing ✍️ I’m certain it gives HOPE to the tens of thousands going through this with you and your family❣️
Gosh, I hope so. On the days I want to stop writing, I picture the prison yard and then I think of all of the families at home/all of the moms crying into a bathroom towel. If anyone can feel less alone or recognize something that they never did before in these stories, my purpose is fulfilled. :)
Good God your writing is powerful. I am always at a loss for words after reading it.
Sending you and your son all the positive energy I can muster. ❤️ I hope someday something good happens for you both that wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t endured this nightmare, and that it balances the scales just a little bit.
Thank you, friend. I'm going to cling to that hope. 🖤
🙌🏼
Hugs, my friend. It is always a thrill to see your face in the crowd. 🖤
Thank you so much for sharing this struggle. I hope that your son gets parole soon. I didn't do as much time as he has, and it felt an eternity to me. Your son is a stronger man than I for lasting longer, under harsher conditions, and maintaining the right attitude about it.
It is amazing what any of us can find within ourselves to make it through the darkness. I can't imagine doing even one day. Not one hour in a locked cell. I'm so amazed by what men and women are capable of being and achieving in these barbaric environments. So thankful for your voice and ready to have my boy home!
I appreciate hearing directly from him. Bottom line, it's a business and has never been about helping people integrate into society on release. When the system thinks they're expected to reoffend, why bother? Bless his clear head. He's an amazing man to keep his head clear in these situations. Holding my breath for both of you.
As always, you speak to my soul. Thank you for knowing, and for caring. 🖤
Thanks for taking us on this journey with you, Bridget. Your honesty and emotion brings so much truth to the reality of how parole actually works. I think of you and your son often and pray he will soon come home to you.
I'm grateful for you, and for your prayers. What a gift to have such wonderful people supporting us on this journey. Thank you. 🖤
Your posts always serve as a reminder of the things we take for granted out here in the world that those in prison world count as gifts to look forward to. Your son sounds like he knows what he needs to do to help his case. Blessings and prayers to you both.
We learn, even on the worst days. We learn what we're made of and what we need to do to get through life better. Thank you for always reading. 🖤
Your writing is so powerful. I feel honored to have found you here. My mama heart feels very connected to you, and I am sending you and your son waves of love and support.
I appreciate this so much. It's wonderful to *meet such lovely people in this world.
I'm sobered by this post. Angry. Sad. Infuriated. Enlightened. Your son's words about why he wants to come home brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for shining a light on what prison is really like and reminding us that it's full of human beings, just like all of us, who are just struggling to figure out how to live and how to change. Also appreciated the note about how unprepared folks are when they leave prison - like your son hasn't opened a door for himself in 5 years. Your voice is so important. Praying for your son in this hard season - may he walk beside you in the woods in the near future.
Aww, thank you Serena. Having good people to witness this madness helps. You're well wishes and love sustain us as well.
Thank you for sharing, Bridget. I am so angry with the system. You painted the picture well! Its sad and maddening what they have to go thru to get out! Hugs!
Sending you hugs in return. 🖤
Thank you for writing and humanizing this experience for those who may not have walked it themselves or with a loved one. I returned home from incarceration almost two years ago now and fresh off a visit with my P.O. last month who told me, after I'd requested to move to phone check-in's versus in person (which takes almost half a day), that my request was denied permanently and that "it has nothing to do with you, there's nothing you can do that will change anything." I've toed the line, danced the dance, completed everything they've asked for years now and held out a measure of hope that doing all that would gain me my freedom sooner. The fallout when you realize it won't is intense and demoralizing, for everyone involved. I know it so hard for my loved ones as well, to simply bear witness as the system plays out with human lives in the balance. Sending much love to your whole family 🙏
Ugh. This is so unfair to you. You deserve to be seen for the changes you've made, for the person you are today. I choose to see you even if the system can't. Thank you for all of the work you've done, for every next right decision you have made. I hope you have peace knowing the truth about you. And damn it, I hope they give you a break somehow soon. Sending love in return to you and yours. 🖤
😢😘❤️
Love you. 🖤
I don't think I can quantify the worst thing I have ever done...not because I am such a pure person but because I've made messes of so many things. I'd like to believe I am improving as I journey through life, but I don't believe the way to accomplish that is to have an authority figure(s) control every moment of that journey.
As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh my goodness, isn't this the truth? I have thought to myself: in which season of my life? There are some gnarly admissions that I would have to own and yes, I believe I continue to make positive changes every day. Thank you for your heart, for your life, and for your support.
Um, I didn’t come here to confess. But I almost wanted to because we could all be your son or you! Praying for you both 🙏🏽Amazing perspective and writing! 🤗❤️
But for the Grace of a God who knows it all... Thank you, friend.