My fianc, Michael got 16 years. We've got 7 years, 7 months, and 19 days til he comes home. We finally made it past the halfway point back in July.
Tips and suggestions...hmm...take it one day at a time. Don't let the pain of your guy being gone control you. Live your life and enjoy it. Don't feel guilty about having a good time. Surround yourself with positive people. Write often, and give details...let your guy live through you.
Our guys are gone for a while...they're not dead. That's what Michael has always said when I get too emotional. There are a lot of people that have it worse than us. Allow your love to grow, take this time to really connect on deeper levels. After 8 years of Michael being gone, I've learned that it's not really that hard...ya just have to be a little creative. :)

My man got 4 on the bottom and 6 on his top. We are in year number 3 now of all this hopefully he be home this time next year.
As for tips ummm everything riverstar has said take his calls as much as you can and visit if you can.
You do have to be creative with things also if at all possible try and have a few laughs.

My daughter was sentenced to 8 years last week. We are separated by several states. Any suggestions on inspiring verses or quotes to add to my cards is appreciated. My therapist suggested this web site. Its comforting to have a place to go with people who understand my pain.

My brother has done 3 1/2 years his 8 yr sntc. seeing parole in a couple months need ya'll prayers. As for inspiring quotes I sent my brother the the footprints in the sand he loved it. And I definitely am here if you need support 59518577dbf.

We just finished 3 plus years. He had been home a little over 2 months now. I did think it would never end. I was very depressed and cried constantly at first. Then you learn that sitting home crying and dwelling on it doesn't help either of you.

You keep him informed of everything going on in your life, and the people he cares about. You send newspaper clippings or copies of them, for the area he lived in, you send photos of friends, family and yourself. If you buy a new car, crunch your car, take a picture and send it. Let him live through the pictures of your life and what would be his.

Yes write and visit, and take his calls. And even if you talk 3 times a day, still write to him, and send him cards, etc. Keep him feeling that he is still in your life in every way he can be. Ask his advice on things, let him help you with the daily things as much as he can. Mine did my taxes for me while in there. Make him feel included.

We also used to watch the same tv shows, so that we could talk about them later, or read the same books. These are just some of the ways we got through it.

Mine is a little different, I wasn't with him before he went in, but I still miss him. He got 15 years, has to serve 85% ... So that brings it to 12.5 Years. He has served 8 so far. He was my first crush when I was 15 . Anyway.... Sometimes it feels like its just like a long distance relationship. I sometimes forget where he really is.

Since we are getting to know each other all over again....we write a lot, phone a lot. I'm also good friends with his sisters, so I report back to him what's the latest gossip. I send him quizzes...puzzles and lots of pictures of his huge family.

At first he would ask me, so what are you doing today? I would say
ooh nothing because I would feel guilty for having fun.... He would tell me I shouldn't feel guilty. He wanted to know. So when I go to his sisters and we are bbqin ... He will call and pass the phone around so he feels he is there with us for a minute. :)

I am not a tv watcher..... But he is ....I have tried to watch some shows he is just so we have something in common. And I've started watching football......

He said these 7 months that we have been together his time has just flown.

My son was just sentenced to 17 months last Thursday. I haven't had a call from him in two weeks. I don't know whats going on or where he'll be going. I can't get it off my mind. It's hard to work or do the simpliest things. I know 17 months isn't alot compared to what I'm reading but it's alot to me. No one understands.

@carlachase it dosnt really matter how long there in for it still hurts and is hard. Have you got a phone account set up for him and has his place approved your number? It can take a bit of time to get these things set up.

My boyfriend's projected release date is in July of next year. However he is dealing with a federal charge so that date could be shortened or lengthened.

It's hard but I've found comfort in my independence. I make my own decisions on a day to day basis. I consult his opinion on the big things. I tell him everything, even if he doesn't like what's happened to me. I don't open up to people about what's going on with him unless they're close friends who know he's incarcerated. Phone calls and letters and visits are what get you through. Giving yourself something to do to occupy your time away from him is so important. Last time he was in I was in school full time and working 2 part time jobs. This time I am working, taking a birthing class, on this website daily, and always talking to friends or planning for the baby. One of my coworkers is planning a baby shower after Christmas so I'm trying to focus on myself and getting a stable situation for him to come home to. I still have a long road ahead, I'm facing homelessness very soon, but I know I can talk to him and have his guidance and resources as to what to do. You have to find something to occupy your mind and your time. And share that with him. I hope this helps.