Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been so looking forward to reading this particular piece of writing from you, dear friend. ❤️ I hope that you’re able to give yourself plenty of space to process in the next weeks and months, because I’m sure your feelings will continue to be extremely complicated.
Bridget, I was moved by the way this piece holds so many forms of motherhood at once: grief, endurance, hope, fear, caregiving, waiting, and finally release. The image that stayed with me was your son hesitating in the doorway, needing a moment to remember he no longer had to wait for someone else to tell him when to move. After everything your family has carried this year, the scene of you breaking into a run toward him feels earned in the deepest possible sense, not as a simple happy ending but as a moment of hard-won grace in the middle of an ongoing story. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable account of love that refuses to give up, and for the courage it took to tell it.
This: Motherhood is "grief, endurance, hope, fear, caregiving, waiting, and release." Sheesh, that sums it up, right? In this case, it is magnified in ways we never planned. I am so thankful for your witness of these events.
Bridget, I think what your essay captures so powerfully is that those experiences are not separate chapters of motherhood so much as companions that often travel together. Reading your story, I was struck by how frequently you were carrying several of them at once. Even in moments of celebration, there was grief. Even in moments of exhaustion, there was hope. Thank you for allowing us to witness a chapter that reveals both the weight and the beauty of loving people through circumstances we never would have chosen.
I think I held my breath until I got to the end. It's such a relief to exhale, isn't it? This is stunning writing, and it's a privilege to read it. Wishing your family all the best.
For several weeks now I've been hoping for this post. I'm so happy for you that Dylan is finally home. I know it won't always be easy and this is just the beginning of figuring out your new normal, but there has to be such peace in your mama heart having him under your roof, no longer worrying about what is happening to him in prison. I pray that his transition home goes smoothly and that you all are able to find peace, healing, and a good new normal as a family.
This means so much as it is a new normal, a new season, a new bunch of hurdles. I woke up the first morning of having him home and the sense of relief just washed over me, right there in bed. I thought, he’s here… I can go see him right now. That feeling hasn’t left yet!
Oh Bridget! I only know you & your son/family via your words, but i am sending you as much love and empathy and support as I can via the ether. YOU HAVE BEEN THRU SO MUCH. *I* felt an emotional roller coaster reading this post, and that was just me reading your words; you had to (& are still) walking through it & living it & it could and will take a lifetime to integrate all of this. I wish all the best to you & your whole family -- and a stretch of peace & joy to rival this very long nightmare.
As always…your writing leaves me feeling so many feels! I can’t imagine that hug and I lost it when he picked you up, just as you’ve picked him up so many times! So many prayers to each of you for the journeys you’re traveling, and special prayers for Dylan to find his purpose. Hugs my friend, I’m so happy your heart is filled with some joy in this moment! ♥️
For all of your support and love, thank you. I hadn't thought about the role reversal but yes, he's ready to lift me more often these days. It's a really cool thing to feel.
I’m not crying….again. 😭 ugh best blog ever. I love you guys so much. I only wish I could have been there to witness it all in real time. Hug each other for me. Hoping to see you all real soon. ❤️
This brought me such incredible joy to see this sitting in my inbox, I started to cry even before reading. I am so very, very glad that Dylan is home and safe with you. It was such a gift to read about what the experience felt like from the other side, as someone who has sat in that cell waiting for that final call. So much love for you and your family 💜
For your daughter, I'm not sure if this would be possible to visit but it remains on my personal bucket list to make it in person, to Selah Carefarm for the traumatically bereaved in New Mexico. They also offer really wonderful support services for individuals after sudden, traumatic losses which were very helpful for me. Holding her, and you, in lots and lots of love. https://www.missfoundation.org/selah-carefarm/visit-us/
Last thing, I did finish reading Bone Valley and would to join a zoom call with the community when it happens if I can. It was a beautiful and challenging read, as someone who was wrongfully accused of murder it brought up many things-- both about the personal experience but the similarities and differences in our encounters with the larger system.
Ahhh, friend. Thank you for every bit of this. I will pass it all on. Isn't Bone Valley something? I can only try and imagine how it would impact you. I am so humbled by and grateful for your story. Stay tuned, we shall meet up soon-ish!
I love you dearly. My heart aches for all you have been through. And I love you more. Thank you for your always beautiful words. Thank you for sharing your precious heart. The image of you walking towards the prison will remain with me. I think of all of you all the time. And Khloe. Precious Khloe. You are all dearly loved.
This is the first thing I read waking up from my own place of incarceration. I am crying reading and I couldn’t be happier for you all. Remembering that moment (in reverse) running into my daughter’s arms when I was released from prison after 2.5 years. I hope to relive that when I leave immigration detention. Sending love my friend.
I have designed some free online resources for people reintegrating … it’s not easy …if you want me to shoot them through, just let me know 😀
My heart is warm this morning thanks to this news 😊
Thank you for your kindness 😊 I have emailed them through. Let me know if you receive them. Speaking of “nightmares” I should be appearing on the Nightmare Success podcast in the coming weeks. I’ll keep you posted 😊
That video though... I'm not crying, you're crying.
Thank you for sharing this precious moment. May his transition be smooth and may you all be deeply supported as you embark on this next chapter. Congratulations momma you deserve all the hugs. (Putting phone down now.... going to hug my boy...)
Yeah! So glad the hugs spread from here. It's such a blessing to have access to your kids. Yesterday, my son walked through my front door after a long day and opened his arms to me. Truly, it's amazing!
“I’m here to pickup my son.” So simple and beautiful.
Welcome home.
Thank you, Greg. I’ll never forget being able to say that—
I am bawling. OMG the image of that hug. 🥹
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been so looking forward to reading this particular piece of writing from you, dear friend. ❤️ I hope that you’re able to give yourself plenty of space to process in the next weeks and months, because I’m sure your feelings will continue to be extremely complicated.
Thank you thank you for all that you've done for us. This is just the beginning of another journey. 😉
And your son’s will also!
Bridget, I was moved by the way this piece holds so many forms of motherhood at once: grief, endurance, hope, fear, caregiving, waiting, and finally release. The image that stayed with me was your son hesitating in the doorway, needing a moment to remember he no longer had to wait for someone else to tell him when to move. After everything your family has carried this year, the scene of you breaking into a run toward him feels earned in the deepest possible sense, not as a simple happy ending but as a moment of hard-won grace in the middle of an ongoing story. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable account of love that refuses to give up, and for the courage it took to tell it.
This: Motherhood is "grief, endurance, hope, fear, caregiving, waiting, and release." Sheesh, that sums it up, right? In this case, it is magnified in ways we never planned. I am so thankful for your witness of these events.
Bridget, I think what your essay captures so powerfully is that those experiences are not separate chapters of motherhood so much as companions that often travel together. Reading your story, I was struck by how frequently you were carrying several of them at once. Even in moments of celebration, there was grief. Even in moments of exhaustion, there was hope. Thank you for allowing us to witness a chapter that reveals both the weight and the beauty of loving people through circumstances we never would have chosen.
I think I held my breath until I got to the end. It's such a relief to exhale, isn't it? This is stunning writing, and it's a privilege to read it. Wishing your family all the best.
Yes! I truly feel like breathing is easier. That's not hyperbole... it's literal. 🖤
For several weeks now I've been hoping for this post. I'm so happy for you that Dylan is finally home. I know it won't always be easy and this is just the beginning of figuring out your new normal, but there has to be such peace in your mama heart having him under your roof, no longer worrying about what is happening to him in prison. I pray that his transition home goes smoothly and that you all are able to find peace, healing, and a good new normal as a family.
This means so much as it is a new normal, a new season, a new bunch of hurdles. I woke up the first morning of having him home and the sense of relief just washed over me, right there in bed. I thought, he’s here… I can go see him right now. That feeling hasn’t left yet!
I’m sobbing after seeing you run into the arms of your freed son. It speaks thousands of your painful words in a few seconds…
I can cry now—the video makes it all real. This really happened!!
❤️our hearts desire. To run into the arms of our sons. ❤️🌹
One of the best moments of my life. 🖤
Oh Bridget! I only know you & your son/family via your words, but i am sending you as much love and empathy and support as I can via the ether. YOU HAVE BEEN THRU SO MUCH. *I* felt an emotional roller coaster reading this post, and that was just me reading your words; you had to (& are still) walking through it & living it & it could and will take a lifetime to integrate all of this. I wish all the best to you & your whole family -- and a stretch of peace & joy to rival this very long nightmare.
Thank you, sweet friend, for all of the ways you have bolstered me online through this. We are kindred.
As always…your writing leaves me feeling so many feels! I can’t imagine that hug and I lost it when he picked you up, just as you’ve picked him up so many times! So many prayers to each of you for the journeys you’re traveling, and special prayers for Dylan to find his purpose. Hugs my friend, I’m so happy your heart is filled with some joy in this moment! ♥️
For all of your support and love, thank you. I hadn't thought about the role reversal but yes, he's ready to lift me more often these days. It's a really cool thing to feel.
I’m not crying….again. 😭 ugh best blog ever. I love you guys so much. I only wish I could have been there to witness it all in real time. Hug each other for me. Hoping to see you all real soon. ❤️
Dang it, I am missing you more than ever. Sending love and hugs that way too. Always.
This brought me such incredible joy to see this sitting in my inbox, I started to cry even before reading. I am so very, very glad that Dylan is home and safe with you. It was such a gift to read about what the experience felt like from the other side, as someone who has sat in that cell waiting for that final call. So much love for you and your family 💜
For your daughter, I'm not sure if this would be possible to visit but it remains on my personal bucket list to make it in person, to Selah Carefarm for the traumatically bereaved in New Mexico. They also offer really wonderful support services for individuals after sudden, traumatic losses which were very helpful for me. Holding her, and you, in lots and lots of love. https://www.missfoundation.org/selah-carefarm/visit-us/
Last thing, I did finish reading Bone Valley and would to join a zoom call with the community when it happens if I can. It was a beautiful and challenging read, as someone who was wrongfully accused of murder it brought up many things-- both about the personal experience but the similarities and differences in our encounters with the larger system.
Ahhh, friend. Thank you for every bit of this. I will pass it all on. Isn't Bone Valley something? I can only try and imagine how it would impact you. I am so humbled by and grateful for your story. Stay tuned, we shall meet up soon-ish!
Oh my...the last video clip says so much. Welcome home!
Thank you so much!!
Bawling. 😭
Solidarity, friend.
Here too
I love you dearly. My heart aches for all you have been through. And I love you more. Thank you for your always beautiful words. Thank you for sharing your precious heart. The image of you walking towards the prison will remain with me. I think of all of you all the time. And Khloe. Precious Khloe. You are all dearly loved.
For all of your love, your years of support, I could never ever thank you enough. Thank YOU for always reading, caring, and showing up. 🖤
This is the first thing I read waking up from my own place of incarceration. I am crying reading and I couldn’t be happier for you all. Remembering that moment (in reverse) running into my daughter’s arms when I was released from prison after 2.5 years. I hope to relive that when I leave immigration detention. Sending love my friend.
I have designed some free online resources for people reintegrating … it’s not easy …if you want me to shoot them through, just let me know 😀
My heart is warm this morning thanks to this news 😊
Your friend, Stephen
Thank you, Stephen. Keeping you in my thoughts as you continue to work toward ending your nightmare.
Yes, please send me your resources. We'll take all that we can get.
Blessings to you, Stephen 🙏
🙏❤️
Thank you for your kindness 😊 I have emailed them through. Let me know if you receive them. Speaking of “nightmares” I should be appearing on the Nightmare Success podcast in the coming weeks. I’ll keep you posted 😊
That video though... I'm not crying, you're crying.
Thank you for sharing this precious moment. May his transition be smooth and may you all be deeply supported as you embark on this next chapter. Congratulations momma you deserve all the hugs. (Putting phone down now.... going to hug my boy...)
Yeah! So glad the hugs spread from here. It's such a blessing to have access to your kids. Yesterday, my son walked through my front door after a long day and opened his arms to me. Truly, it's amazing!
I’m sobbing. I can’t even imagine. I don’t know what else to say. There’s so much, but I can only witness.
Your witness to this is everything, truly. The comments here mean more than anyone will ever know--we were never alone. Thank you!!