Kipsupermom, Unfortunately, this prison is privately owned and they do their own thing. Its a joke.

So All,

I finally got to see my son yesterday!!! His Father, Sister and Brother was with me too! When I saw him and was able to hug him, my daughter kept saying "Mom"! I wasn't letting go and did not realize it. It was bitter sweet! Although we were able to see him the two hours flew by! We got to take a picture together too. When it was time to leave, I hugged and kissed him and left without looking back because I started crying and I did not want him to see my eyes. He was in good spirits but on the other hand, the time we thought he would be getting out probably will not happen because he cannot get a job in that privately owned prison. And if you can't get a job doing anything (from what I am understanding) you can't get out on good behavior or something like that. He told us that if he got transferred someplace else that had programs for him to work or go take classes, then he could get out sooner. That was like a knife going through me. Here I am thinking my son will be able to come home June, 2015 but as it turns out, it probably will not be until December, 2016. Can someone explain to me what this means? I saw the paper saying June, 2015 and I don't understand.

Anyway, it was a great visit other than that news! We are supposed to go back for the September visit because dad is going out of town with my other son, but I think I will take this drive on my own in August! It is about a 4 1/2 hour drive going straight through without any stops and I want to visit with my son on my own. I felt that I did not get to just have my special time with him alone and I need that. I must sound selfish, but since no one else can make the August visit, I thought that this would be perfect for us to have some quality time alone visit.

HB

So glad it was a good visit and you got to give him a long hug!
I say, YES, go back in August! Go to Half Price Books (or whatever used bookstore is nearby), pick up a good book on CD or music that you like, pack a little cooler with some snacks and head out! It will be worth the trip for you to see him again!

Thanks so much Iris! I needed to hear this! My heart is so sad today. It was so hard to leave.

Glad you had a good visit, and I agree with iriswq, definitely go back in August. As for the facility he is in not offering any work or school, can he put in for a transfer?

You can easily make the trip! This summer i decided to go see my daughter (12 hour drive) and I packed my bag, got in the car, and stopped only for gas or food. Everyone thought I would have to get a motel....wrong....I drove straight through. Found an old Boys 2 Men cd in the car and played it over and over. Weird. But it kept my mind busy! Go for it!!

Iam glade it was a good visit :)
Yes you can do that drive take some snacks and drinks with you and good music and it will be ok. I drive about 4 and hafe hours to see my love the only time I stop is for the loo or when I get to where I stay.

Kitty, I am finding this out right now. From what I understand, getting out of a private facility is very hard here in Louisiana. My son graduated from high school and went to one semester of college. They don't have anything in there. Heck, the library that they are required to have is always closed but by state law, they have a library. Ha!

bsmom and suchaslife, thanks so much for the encouragement! My mother is afraid and does not want me driving 4 to 4 1/2 hours, but I am a big girl and I can drive. By the way, where do you get the books to listen to on a CD? I think that would be a great investment for my drives.

I go to used book stores. I've found several with humor and a good story. You can order them online too. I have a friend that subscribes to an app called Audiobooks or something like that and she just downloads what she wants to listen to before she travels. It really helps pass the time!

That is great! Thanks Iris!

Heartbroken,
I am able to go to our library and check out audiobooks. I would check out this option first to see what they have in selections, then move on to purchasing the audio books

Thoughtasweak, that is a great idea too! Just borrow the audiobooks would be better and then I don't have a bunch of clutter, even though its cds but that works for me! Have one right around the corner of my mother's house. Thanks for the heads-up!