After Ron went to prison
I became intensely aware that my children were more at risk of going to prison. It scared me. I never wanted to visit my child in prison. Not EVER. Every time I heard another statistic, the reality of the battle for my children’s future slapped me in the face. I…
Buying a house was the impossible dream for me when Ron went to prison.
I was convinced that I would never be able to achieve the prestigious label of “homeowner.” I know some people CHOOSE to rent instead of buying a house, but I did not have a choice. I didn’t have the income, nor…
I stood in a room full of people, but I felt completely alone.
Laughter drifted past me, and voices carried the pain of my loss as they floated around me. Pain and grief were my constant companions. My husband was in prison and I had been left alone out here to carry a heavy…
When Ron was in prison...
I invested heavily in my sons to help reduce the pain of living with only one parent. I made plans to take them places so we could spend time together building wonderful memories despite Ron’s incarceration. I was intentional about creating memories together. Ron came home, and I must confess…
Making decisions together as a couple is important.
Life is full of options and opportunities. You have to make decisions every day as you are indeed setting the course for your future. When you include your partner in the decision-making process, you honor his place in your family and pave the way for your…
Relationships are wonderful when they are healthy!
There is nothing more satisfying than a deep connection between 2 people who care about each other. Sadly, there are times people ignore warning signs that their relationship is not healthy because they so desperately want that connection. If you are in a relationship with someone who is…
If you have a romantic relationship with a prisoner, you need to know what I am about to share! I spent 15 years visiting my husband in prison and during that time I witnessed a lot of crazy relationships. You need to know what the warning signs are so you can protect yourself, your family…
Can a marriage survive jail? What a loaded question!
When your spouse goes to jail it is by far one of the most difficult challenges for any marriage or relationship. Chances are that your relationship was not terrific before he went to prison/jail. Now, you are left with all the hurt and unresolved issues-…
Teenagers are fun.
I mean that. They are so much fun! I have loved every stage of development my children have gone through in their race to become adults, but the teen years are the most exciting. It was such an adventure to raise Blake and Brandon through those teen years. Now, I am…
Everybody has something to say about how you raise your children.
People who have never experienced being a single parent—or a single parent with their partner in prison--are the worst at offering unsolicited advice. They have no idea what it is like living on a single income (without child support), balancing work and…