First of all, it does help to be madly “in love” with each other! Then, the rest should become easy!
1. Keep in close contact by the phone. As most prison wives know, prison calls are highly expensive. If you are able to, accept those collect calls. If you are not capable of it, keep in close contact through the mail. Send your husband letters, computer print-outs of articles and information he is interested in, newspaper clippings.
2. Send him lots of cards for holidays, and other times. It helps to not only think of him while looking for “perfect cards,” but he will enjoy receiving them and will often show the gifts to the fellow inmates. Remember that “mail-time’ is a very important part of the day when in prison. Some men never even receive mail…it is almost a game or competition with them as how much mail they receive
3. Keep photos of him throughout the house…in the bedroom, living room and kitchen. Also carry a picture of the two of you on your keychain.
4. Share your thoughts, feelings and emotions on the phone. Tell him if you are lonely…or even angry….it is ok to be honest. After all, your husband is in prison, and you are allowed to feel what you feel. But most of all, tell him you love him. A little “love talk” will get you through those lonely days and nights.
5. Daydream about your husband. Think about those past days with him and think about how the future will be when he gets home. Yes, daydream, and at night dream…and imagine he is still there next to you at night. Think about each other as much as you can!
6. Keep the household together while he is gone. Also, do something for yourself, to make you a better person. For example, take a college course, go to adult school, get involved in church activities, join the choir, do volunteer work at the hospital or nursing home. Overall, try to put a little sunshine in the lives of others and try not to concentrate on the difficulties you are going through at this time.
7. Look forward to the future and know that you are getting there – even though it is one step at a time. Be strong and positive that your love will survive.
I hope this article has made your day a little more positive. People make mistakes and sometimes they deserve a second chance.
