5 Ways To Say I Love You

I don’t know of any situation that causes more insecurity in a relationship than prison. The distance, the separation, and the hurt are all multiplied by all of the disappointment and pain. More couples give up on their relationship when one of them is in prison than almost any other life situation. As a matter…

October 9, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

Holidays in Prison

Prison is hard on everyone, every day. It is the hardest during the holidays. I am talking about every holiday—not just the federally recognized holidays. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, baptisms, every event that family gathers to celebrate is a stark reminder that our family is different.

October 5, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

Creating a Family Dream Board

Are you ready to dream again? The first sign that you are on the road to success is that you begin to dream again. You are no longer blind to the opportunities in front of you to build a better life. Dreaming requires hope. Hope requires healing. Healing from your broken heart. So if you…

October 3, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

If You Don’t Know Your Worth, Others Won’t Either

I hate feeling intimidated. When I feel intimidated, I feel small, worthless, and helpless. It is a terrible feeling to not know your worth. When Ron first went to prison, I struggled with my own self-worth and value. I felt defined by the experience I was in; a prison wife. I felt intimidated…

October 3, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

Couple Communication Tips

Nine o’clock was quickly approaching. We all waited with anticipation for the phone to ring. We could always count on our family phone call.“Is it 9:00 yet, Mommy?” the boys would ask every ten minutes as they waited impatiently to talk to their Daddy. I loved seeing them excited to talk to Ron, but I…

October 1, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

Birthdays in Prison

The birthday lunch is almost ready. I am waiting impatiently for the last part of the meal to be done. “Ding” The microwave timer tells me now the final part of our meal is done. I get the food out, and place it carefully on top of the rest of our lunch. The…

September 28, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

Transforming Your Prison Visit Into Family Time

Prison visits can be amazing. Wait! I know, I know. Having to visit your man in prison is, well… it sucks. I am not saying it is amazing to have to go to a prison to see your husband. I AM saying, that since you don’t have a choice about where you see your husband,…

September 27, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

Discovering What you are Made of

My mother-in-law handed me a bowl of steaming hot soup. “Add some fresh onions and squeeze a little lemon juice on it” she instructed as she passed me a plate of fresh, soft, and warm corn tortillas. I watched as everyone around the table dipped the tortilla into the soup and then ate it. I…

September 25, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

Writing Your Family’s Legacy

You are writing your story every day It may not be with pen and paper, or a computer screen, but you are telling your story by living your life. What you are writing is determining your legacy. We all have the power to create our own story. Others are watching your life and they are retelling…

September 24, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

Choosing Your Battles in Parenting

When our children are born, we have total control over every part of their lives Wash your face, comb your hair, pick up your room, put your dirty clothes in the hamper, clear your plate, wipe the table, sweep up your mess, take off your shoes, cut your hair---your clothes are too tight, too loose,…

September 21, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com