I'm so sorry to hear that your nephew lost his mother recently. My guy's dad died and he couldn't get leave either. It's hard. Do you have photos of his mom that you could send him along with family stories that will prompt some good memories?

That is so sad and I'm so sorry your family is going through this. He is grieving the loss of his mom and feeling so bad he couldn't be there to say goodbye. That's enough to throw anyone into depression. It will take time for that wound to heal. All you can do is keep visiting, writing, take his phone calls, send money to his commissary so he can buy some extra treats, if possible, and send books he likes to read, etc. That support will mean a lot to him during this time. My only other suggestion would be to tell him to go talk to the staff psychologist if his mood doesn't improve over time. Hopefully they have someone there who can help him get through this grieving period. I will keep you and your nephew in my prayers.

Please keep doing what you're doing. It does not matter if it seems like you're repeating yourself....your nephew will never grow rired of your love and words of encouragement. It's so painful to he going through this. We know. We understand. I will also keep you and your nephew in my prayers.

There is a wonderful book 'we are all doing time' by Bo Lazoff from The Human Kindness foundation which is free to all prisoners based on meditation an yoga but also has lots of information to help cope with many things such as loss of close family.
There are letters from other inmates telling their story and how low an depressed they were and how having this has helped them some going on to teach both inside and out of prison.
It is also good for everyone else as it also makes us realise We are ALL doing time wether it's in front or behind bars!
Get in touch with them and give them your nephews details. They will send him a copy ( if you can make a donation to help keep this going that be great but not essential if you cannot) as they are based in the states so check out their website and see what they are all about for yourself .v
I have had this sent to a few people including my son who after 7+ yrs of a 30yr sentance is still doing yoga an meditation which has been a life saver on some occasions when the days were so stressful.
All I can say is please please never stop supporting an loving your nephew it does not matter how many letters / cards you send he will know someone still cares an loves him this will give him the strength to get through another day and another and ......
I am sad for the loss of your sister and his mother but he still has you thank God so look after yourself for both your sakes.
I send you love an blessings as I do all of you on this forum.

I am just really echoing what's been said already, mostly by @Jesseandme.

The important thing for persons incarcerated is literally consistency. If a person says that they are going to do something like write, send something etc. then following through is key. Unless there is some kind of snafu and you cannot. That always has to be followed up with a letter to the person on why something didn't happen. (e.g. usually a prison rule you did not know about)

You are one of the unsung heros of our nations incarcerated. Keep on doing what you are doing. I echo that he is not tired of your communications. Trust me. He is holding on to those for dear life.

Good to know, IntheStep, thanks for feedback.

I would suggest Bishop T.D. Jakes. I am currenty reading his book Destiny. Mind you....i am not a really religious person....but i find him to be uplifting.

He is more of a common sense person. When i read his book i feel good. Not too many authors can have that effect on me. I am more of a Stephen King scary type reader.

If your nephew likes reading about dogs.....i would suggest Thunder Dog. It is a true story of a blind man caught in the twin towers on 911 and how his guide dog got him out.

Keep up your writing to your nephew. He is going though alot. Your support means everything.