My Story

1st & for most, I have decided to share in hopes that my story may somehow bless other moms. My name is Lisa and I'm a proud mother of 2 girls & 1 boy. My son Ron is 23 yrs old. June 2014, I found out he was a suspect in an armed robbery. I shared the situation with a few close friends & family members (his dad, my 2 prayer partners & a close friend who was had gone thru a similar situation woth her son). Words can't express the hurt, anger & disappointment I felt. I couldn't understand what would make Ron take this turn. I've always instilled in my kids to do what's right, maintain their credit and keep a clean criminal record.A year had passed since the detectives spoke with Ron regarding the robbery and because he had not been arrested everyone felt like maybe he was innocent, but as his mom, I knew it was only a matter of time. During this time, Ron had been in a very "unhealthy" relationship with a young lady and his life was literally spiraling out of control! One Thursday I prayed to God that he remove Ron from that situation, even if it meant him being sent away. The following Tuesday, my oldest called to say Ron had been arrested and my response was "ok". My daughter asked if that was all I had to say and I said "yes". She was unaware of my prayer the previous Thursday. How could I expect her to understand what I was going thru as.a mother!! Eventually, I called Ron's girlfriend and she informed me that Ron was being questioned by the Feds. We couldn't understand why the Feds were involved, but if you know anything about the Feds you know that they select cases that they know they have a greater chance of winning. I looked at this as a blessing from God, because I knew Ron would not be able to do time in a State facility. I also felt that this was God's way of getting Ron's attention because as I previously stated, he was spiraling 2 charges, 1 was a minimum mandatory and the other carried 20yrs-Life. I continued to pray and ask God to take control of this situation and every person involved with this case (lawyers, judges, arresting officers, etc).I prayed, I cried, I prayed! I tried to be strong, but some days I would cry all day! Ron would call and I would just weep with him on the phone! I started to pray to God to give me peace and he did! Yes, I still have days that I cry, but it's a peaceful cry, I get it out & continue my day! Yes, I have faith, but I learned that I am human, I'm a mom and God knows that I am faithful! I've lost friendships due to this. People felt that I was obligated to share what was going on with Ron! Did they forget he's my son & I'm his mom?? My only obligation is to God & my child! I needed to be there to encourage my son thru this ordeal! Everyone thinks my life is "perfect" because I'm always smiling & keeping busy. After I share my story and they find out I'm just like the average person with every day issues & my only son incarcerated on a Federal Indictment, they're like "Wow, I would not have ever known! How do u keep smiling?" I tell them it's only by the grace of God!!I've met so many people during this time. During this time, I've dealt with Sooo many people, Lawyers, Prosecutors, US Marshalls, Judicial Assistance, Pretrial Probation Officers, the Warden's Secretary, CO's, etc. Out of roughly 25-30 people, I've only had an issue with 1 person, .a disrespectful CO during visitation, who was on a power trip and believe it or not, God worked that situation out as well. Everyone that.has come in contact with Ron says the same thing, " He's so young & respectful. He doesn't belong here!" My response: It's ok, I'm thankful that I'm not visiting my son's grave. I can speak with/email daily & I can visit with him.Let's fast forward to sentencing....A few days before sentencing Ron's lawyer called and I didn't understand what.he was saying, so I asked him if I could conference his dad on the line. As the Attorney & Ron's dad were talking, the only thing I remember hearing the lawyer say was " I'm not sure how this happened. I've never seen anything like this before!" I had the phone on mute and I was praying & thanking God, because although I didn't understand the conversation, I knew it was a miracle from God! Ron's dad finally explained that the Prosecutor agreed to drop the charge carrying 20yrs-Life! Thank you Lord!! The Attorney asked if Ron's dad & I would speak at sentencing and we agreed. I forgot to mention the Judge assigned to the case was Judge Hurley aka "Hang'em Hurley", but my faith was in God, not a Federal Judge! In attendance at the hearing was my family, the Judicial staff, US Marshall, the Pretrial Probation Officer, Prosecutor, Ron's Lawyer and of course Ron. Judge Hurley stated he had never seen the 1 remaining charge by itself. Little did he know because.of our faith.& prayers, God removed the other charge!! God is an Awesome God and je.honors the prayers of his children! After Ron's dad & I finished addressing the court, the only eyes in the courtroom were mine.& Judge Hurley! Yes, the Marshalls, Attorney, Prosecutor and Pretrial Probation Officer were all passing around a box of tissue! See God has a way of himbling/softening the hearts of believers as well as unbelievers. The Prosecutor told us that in 25yrs in the courtroom he has never seen such a strong sense of family. There were only 8 family members, including myself, but we are extremely close. Ron's remaining charge was a minimum mandatory and Judge Hurley sentenced him the minimum of 84 months and he stated he honestly wished he could go below the minimum guidelines. Once again, but God!!Ron made it to Coleman Penitentiary last week and seems.to be adjusting well! We send daily emails, talk twice a week and I'll go see him the of the month.Although this is an unfortunate situation and Lord knows I hate.beong away my son, he broke the law and has to serve his time. We talk about the what if's, could of's, should of's, but the bottom line is Ron has accepted ownership for what he did. This situation has also allowed him to pray more & increased his faith, so that is also a tremendous blessing.I said all of this to say, no matter what the situation looks like.with your sons, never give up! Continue to pray and give the situation/case God! No matter what it looks like, God can always turn it around! I truly hope this blesses someone! I'm an open book, so feel free to ask questions:)Blessings to each of.you & your sons!Lisa
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Comments

  • Your such a blessing for me.I have 3 sons in thete at the same time.
    One son just dipped in the "street game" and we are hoping he comes home soon.Either by next month or he could be possibly looking at two years. Im hoping for the lesser amount.
    #2 has been in and out of jail so many times. Breaks my heart every time.All the talking, begging, pleading, praying.And he has a girlfriend that fights me every step of the way.Has two kids by her. According to her i dont have permission to see my grandkids.that another story for another day.he is facing the longest time. Before he went in he said he disowns me and doesnt want anything to do with me. Prayers for him.
    #3 into the "street game" gets sentenced in June.
    All in all sorry for the lengthy note. You inspire me to keep my strength up and continue to pray like there is no tomorrow. Which i continue todo.My only support is is you ladies. No one else in my family wants to help.pray. or just talk to me. Praying for your son.And glad it turned around for him a little bit.
    Praying Mom
    Andrea
  • Good Afternoon Ladies, continue to pray & believe! Yes, God is definitely faithful!!! Have a blessed/peaceful weekend! We have to stay strong for our sons!!
  • Yes, Lisa God is good. God held/holds me up. My cousin. galdly took me to court dates out of state. My 85 year old Mom insisted on going to court dates. Financially, I was able to pay, jail, court cases and prisons are expensive. God's mercy and grace are so real. God will touch all involve in prosecution. Im keeping my faith in God. Praying for all mothers and their incarcenrated children for God's grace and mercy. Amen
  • Rebecca, it helps if the inmates, family & friends write letters to the Judge. My son wrote a letter accepting responsibility and family/friends wrote character letters. Alot of people told us that would help and it did.
  • Dank and Rose, what kind of a letter did they write and how did it help?

  • Yes Rose, you are absolutely right about the letters. They definitely help!
  • I mean my son got 48 mo.so .He got 24 mo left so I try to keep him upbeat at all time But I know he wrote the judge a letter at his sentence and it really help.
  • He is in Thumb In Oakland County Mi.
  • Hi Kat, it's a matter of opinion when it comes to a Federal facility vs. State. I have found that the federal facilities are maintained better, better conditions for the inmates & better opportunities/programs. Some people would disagree because the feds require that the inmates do 85% of their time, but they also offer programs in which if the inmate successfully completes it will lower their time or allow them to go to the halfway house sooner. Will definitely keep you, your son & your family in my prayers! Our sons are physically doing the time, but the situation confines the entire family!!!
  • Thank you for sharing Lisa.  bless you

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