Got to see my son!!

13 years ago

Yesterday I got a letter from him saying that his girlfriend and I were FINALLY approved for visitation. So this morning at 7:15, I was checked in and went thru screening and got to spend over 2 WONDERFUL hours with my son.

I cried for the first half hour! He's well, too thin for my taste, but still has his wonderful sense of humor. He's being well cared for, and has formed some relationships that are ensuring his safety. He's adamant that the people he meets in there are not going to be part of his life outside. He won't let them know his families' surnames and they only see his photos if they're his cellmate. He is so worried about his family, but we're trying to reassure him we're all well.

I've passed on the good wishes and thoughts I've received here and he's very humbled by the support. Thank you all!

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Comments (10)

hhireno
13 years ago
Yay for you & your son! This is the best thing I've read today. I hope all that crying didn't make your pretty new eyes re-swollen.
texanjana
13 years ago
I am so happy for you!
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les917
13 years ago
That is great news! Sounds like he is doing okay, and has made some good decisions and some social connections so that he doesn't feel so alone.
mitchdesj
13 years ago
What wonderful news, I'm so happy for you !!!

what did he think about the surgery on your eyes ? was he surprised ?
mahatmacat1
13 years ago
OH my gosh I'm so relieved!!! I had come to this side specifically to ask how your son was doing...I can only imagine your relief. Can we send him things there? Is this where he's going to be for the duration? (and any more info on how long that 'duration' might be?)

I still fume every time I think of his story. I continue to feel that it's got to lead to something better than any of us can even know right now.
amysrq
13 years ago
Hi Pesky, thanks for the update. I can't imagine how bittersweet it must have been to see your son. I am so happy for you, and yet, my heart goes out to you, knowing how terribly the system has treated him and your family. Keep the faith...if you can.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
13 years ago
I'm so glad for your sake! And, thin is good :-)
golddust
13 years ago
Great news, Pesky. Sounds like he's making lemonaide outta lemons. Good for him.
Shannon01
13 years ago
So good to hear this. Sounds like he is making wise choices "inside". This is a hard lesson for anyone to learn, he will become strong from this experience as long as he has the mental capability to not wallow in selfpity. Survival of any situation depends on the mental health of the survivor. Prisoners of war who came out to live a sane life afterwards did so because they did not focus so much on the date of their release but concentrated on surviving the inprisonment. When the release date actually happened they were happier than those who kept living from one anticipated release date to the next. Their minds were filled with the constant disappointment. Sounds like he will be just fine. So will you. Love can pass through prison walls.
neetsiepie
Original Author
13 years ago
Yes, Shannon, he's holding up pretty well. He keeps saying he figures he knows what the release date is supposed to be, and if he gets out sooner, that will be a blessing.

I get to visit him frequently now, and he finally got his phone list approved, so he can call. I saw him again yesterday and we had a nice long, chatty visit. He's getting along well enough, I just still fear for him, but I get the overall impression that he's doing fine and is no danger. So far the people I've met, visiting families and the guards, all seem to be nice. Yesterday was kind of sad...they let us in by groups, it's a weird situation, you have to go thru a metal detector and remove your shoes, like it used to be at the airport. You must wear specific types of clothing...nothing blue, no shorts or skirts higher than 2" off the knee, necklines must be no lower than 2" from the collar bone, nothing form fitting, etc. You can bring in a clear plastic bag with up to $15 in quarters and up to 5 photographs. And you cannot bring in handkerchiefs or anything other than your ID and the key to the locker, where you can lock up any valuables (car keys for me). You also have your hand stamped and they allow a group of up to 10 at a time to go in. You walk down a long hall, down a ramp, where they scan your stamp, then the barred door moves and you enter a cell-like structure. The guard waits till everyone is in, the door closes and they wait for the barred door at the other end of the hallway to close, then another barred door opens to the hallway. You are escorted down the hall where the guard unlocks a door and you may enter into the visiting area.

Jon is in privileged visiting, where you can have face to face visits. The area where it's like in movies, with the glass and phones is for a different level of offender. There are red chairs and grey chairs, with a small table between them; visitors must sit in the red, the inmates on the gray. Inmates are not allowed to use the vending machines, but you can buy them sodas & snacks. There are also games and a childs play area.

So I get to hug him before and after the visits, and the visits can be up to 3 hours!

Anyway, it was kind of sad because in the group I went in with yesterday, it was all Moms. There were a couple of women my age, and their sons were the same age range as Jon, in fact, Jon said that one kid in the room was a kid he'd gone to school with (but they're not friends).

So, it was bittersweet. I just count the days till I can have him home, but it's so good to be able to see him and hug him and see his beautiful face and hear his laugh. I can't wait for his sisters to be approved, so they can see him too. It will do them so much good to see him.

Got to see my son!!

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hhireno

texanjana

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Got to see my son!!

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