some thoughts

I sit here and try to analyze exactly what this is all about....."REFLECTIONS OF A PRISON WIFE,"  that is.  I wonder to myself, why are people so interested in it?  There are now 2 newspapers interested in this story...."the woman who sits at home and writes a journal about life, as she waits for her husband while he is in prison."

  I started this journal out of my own despair.  It was a cold and lonely New Year's Eve...Dec. 2003.....The journal was a place I turned to , to write my thoughts.  It became my friend throughout the months, and along the way, I met many beautiful people that became my friend, and supported me. 

  Ans from my own personal journal, it suddenly began reaching out to the people.  And now, 13 months later,  I feel this journal is not only about "me," but about "the people."....those that identify with it.

  I feel  this journal  fulfills a "need." not only for myself, but for others.  It has brought out into the public an awareness of  "the prison wife."   Women read this and say, "yes, that is me too.  I am not alone in my thoughts."

  Therefore, "REFLECTIONS OF A PRISON WIFE," has helped to educate the public.  Not only has it reached wives of prisoners, but also girlfriends, mothers, fathers, children, and other family members.  It has reached the general population, who is interested in what goes on in the life of a prisoner and his wife....

  Our life has always been an unusual one....it has been a life of adventure, romance, love, and the unexpected ....it has always been a  "whirlwind" of events!..........meeting in a chatroom....progressing to a phone....meeting in the middle of the barren desert 2 weeks later.........getting married soon afterwards.................Yes, life moved very fast for us those first few months.  Living a wonderful life in Las Vegas, and knowing we would have to give so much up so he could return to New Jersey....................................and now, the long, long wait for Jimmy to return home.......................

  Before I say good-night, I have to tell you a little story that took place tonight....the residents at Kintock were having a party for "super Bowl  night, but it was only for the residents who have a job working on the outside.  Jimmy works in the kitchen, 80 hours /week.  He does not get paid, and doesn't mind, because he enjoys working, anyhow. He is trying very hard to get a job, so he can start week-end furloughs home, but the jobs he has applied for have not been approved.  Jimmy is up at 3am each day, and 7am on weekends, cooking 3 meals.....

  So tonight, he was helping to prepare for the party for the guys....he was in the kitchen preparing food, and then planned to go to his room and do some reading (neither of us are football fans).  Well his boss, who is civilian, came over to him and said "you cannot stay for the superbowl party, because you do not have an outside job."  Jimmy replied that he had no intention  of staying, because he is not even a football fan, and has other stuff to do.  .......Jimmy felt very bad about this, and we talked it over together on the phone....We are lucky to have each other, in order to discuss things, and that my husband could talk it out with me, and get this "off his mind."..........................he would never had stayed for the party, anyhow.  He was definetly put in his place.....he is there to "serve" his fellow inmates/residents.....he is not to participate in these social events....what do all of you think about this?  There is a saying, that says it all......."humbleness is great.".......................and so with that, good-night to all!

...............................................................Fran