Greg called this morning from Craggy Correctional Center. He was so very upbeat and had good things to say about his early days there. He wasn't due to transfer for another month but the facility had a riot, went on lock down and sent the entire pod he is in out of the program because of the riot. 30 beds opened up immediately so he is there now. A blessing for us and sending prayers for those shipped out.
He went to orientation today, I can't wait to hear more about what he learned, and the great news is he will have scheduled time in this program every day, at least 9-1 and the afternoon if he chooses to attend. He is so much better with a structured schedule and he sounded so excited about the planned routine of classes and the other things they will be doing. He only sounded less engaged when he talked about the days off, Friday, Sat & Sunday. He said not all the inmates show up for afternoon sessions and I suggested that he do it even if some of the other guys don't. It is after all, something to do. I think he will unless the information is more boring than the idea of filling time like all of the rest of the hours he is inside.
I did not imagine that I would hear excitement from him about even these little things and this is a breath of fresh air. I finished the call and dashed out to a meeting for which I was already late and felt like crying the whole way. Heck, I still do. I don't know why I want to cry, it is such a relief to hear him looking forward to each day. He ended his call with the words I need to hear, "Mom, I am safe here". That makes me want to sob. I hate the worry and don't live in it because I choose not to. It must be reside under the surface for his assurances to affect me so much.
I treasure the calls with him. We correspond a lot but only talk briefly maybe once a week. He was called for counts while on the phone with us, ran to be present and then came back and called again. We had almost a half an hour with him. I miss him so much. He said it’s easier to get to the phones and hear at Craggy so he will call more often. I sure hope so.
We all have our own ways of coping. My husband announced that we are down to 1869 days now, he seemed pleased. I was mad. I told him to never tell me that again until it’s under a year. He is patient and didn’t snap back. I also get somehow this “counting” comforts him.
I have been sleeping lately. I think I now have almost 5 days of decent sleep now. I am feeling clearer and less anxious and am grateful for these little things. Thanks my M.I.S.S. family for being here. These blogs are helping me, I hope they help you by relating these daily and ups and downs. It si all about love.
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