Thanks to our oldest son, Trevor, today I got to go to a prison. I must say I never thought I'd have a child in prison but I do and life does go on. So today we set out to go visit with him. This is the road the prison is on, at least the mountains are pretty.
This is the prison, behind all the cars.
This is the prison, behind all the cars.
Here is the sign that let's us visitors know where to go.
Yep, must be in the right place! Look at that there sign.
These are some of the other people waiting to go visit.I might add that it was kind of sad that Kevin knew exactly what to do. He knew were to sit and wait to be called in, where to sign in at, how to raise his hands when being searched (another first for me), where to stand and wait for me, to wait until the door buzzed to go through, to turn right to get to the visiting area and after giving his brother a quick hug what side of the table to sit on. I almost forgot . . . he knew where the vending machines were and what Trevor wanted to snack on.
Now some of you might be wondering what a prison visit might be like, well, first off let me say it's something I hope none of you ever have to experience! You wait outside of the building until you are called, you then proceed to check in where you sign in and give permission to be searched. After you are searched you check your keys in, then are buzz through the first set of doors. Then you walk through this enclosed tunnel like thing, although it is outside and bright
it feels very dismal and grey. You are then buzzed into another small area like you'd see on TV, the doors slide open, you step in and wait for them to close then another set slide open and you walk into the hallway that takes you to the visitor area. Once in the visitor area it's not too bad the visitor's are free to move around ie go get stuff from the vending machines use the bathroom some even chase kids, the inmates however have to stay on their side of the table and cannot get up without permission. Families play cards or games, eat together, some read books to their children (sad), or just talk and catch up with each other.
it feels very dismal and grey. You are then buzzed into another small area like you'd see on TV, the doors slide open, you step in and wait for them to close then another set slide open and you walk into the hallway that takes you to the visitor area. Once in the visitor area it's not too bad the visitor's are free to move around ie go get stuff from the vending machines use the bathroom some even chase kids, the inmates however have to stay on their side of the table and cannot get up without permission. Families play cards or games, eat together, some read books to their children (sad), or just talk and catch up with each other.
I did have a nice visit with him (I know some of you are SHOCKED). Hope he is seeing why he needs to change behaviour. I know it's not something that I have any control over any more (not that I probably ever did). I just pray that one day he becomes the man I know he can be, one that would not only make his parents proud, but one that would have put a smile on his grandpa's face too!
Here is the view as we leave the prison.
Every time I think of Trevor in prison this old Johnnie Cash song comes to mind . . .
Mama tried to raise me better,
but her pleading I denied,
that leaves only me to blame,
cuz mama tried!
Trevor, you're going to make me proud when you're released! It may kill us both, but you WILL make this mama proud! And please, NO MORE first's I'm to old for this $#!)
We love you!
