10 Tips to Dating a Prisoner

Dating and prison are words that do not seem to go together. Prison is not typically a place we think of when we imagine a date. And yet, many women find themselves “dating” men who are in prison. There are a lot of things to consider before you should commit to dating someone…

October 16, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

husband in prison ron and cathy tijerina

Family

Married to an Inmate

I am married to an inmate. Wow. I kept saying that in my head over and over again. I am married to a convict! How in the world did this happen? I never imagined that I would marry a man who was in prison. I was in shock that my husband was in prison. As the…

October 15, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

3 Non-Verbals That Hurt Relationships

What are you saying? We have all said, “It is not what you said, but how you said it!” Our attitude comes out in our tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. You can choose your words as carefully as possible, but if you don’t manage your non-verbals—you can destroy your message. Your body language…

October 12, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

Three Keys to Success

Do you run or jog? I am not a runner, but I do occasionally jog a few miles. The one thing that happens to me every time I run is that I want to stop running when I hit a mile. I am not sure why I want to quit at a mile, but the…

October 11, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

supporting a loved one on probation tyro blog

Family

How to Support Someone on Probation

The day is finally here! Your man is coming home. You are feeling nervous, excited, and a little bit scared. What will your life be like when he comes home? How will things be different? When your husband comes home, many things will change. Some of those things you have thought about, and others will be…

October 10, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

15 Gift Ideas for Inmates

Creative, prison-friendly gifts for your loved ones in prison It was hard enough to buy gifts for Ron when he was home. When it he went to prison, it got even harder. If you are wondering what you can get as a gift for your man, you have come to the right place! Whether the…

October 9, 20180Comments

Bycatherine@theridgeproject.com

Family

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