Please send letters to be published to deannadeesings at gmail dot com. 

Excerpts from an incarcerated son to his Mom - June, 2009

I want you to know that I am doing just fine.  Of course I would rather be with my family.  But for the situation I am in I could not be doing any better.  The WR center is way better than the regular jail in so many ways.  There are many more "freedoms" here than in there.

Work is going great and my manager is working with me during this time.  I should be getting  a raise after my first month at work.

I am allowed to see my family each day since they take me to work and this makes me very happy.  I realize this is a very difficult time for them.

I am thankful that you are helping us. You are truly a great woman and not just because you help us when we need it, but because everything about you and what you do is great.

You are caring, loving and you generally care about the welfare of others. For this I look up to you; you are a big role model in my life. If I can take even 25% of what you do and who you are to my life, I know I"ll be okay.

I love you very much, Mom.

Excerpts from a Mom to her incarcerated son

June 2009

Dear Son:

Today is Father's Day and I am sad that you are not able to spend it your family. I have been thinking about you all day. You are such a good and loving father – I see this every time I see you with your children. You and your wife are raising him so responsibly and with firm but loving compassion. I am so very proud of you and who you have become. I know you never pictured yourself as a father, but look at you now. A proud papa, and a good one at that, too. Your sons are very lucky to have you as their dad.

I received your letter the other day and I was so glad to get it and also to talk to you the day before. You sound good and your letter indicates that too. I hope that if you ever feel like you need to , you visit the psychologist. Although you say it's “not that bad”, it's still not the best situation and I just want you to be sure you take care of yourself. I always worry about you.

I love you and await the day we will be able to be reunited.

Love, Mom