A Family in Prison | Teen Ink

A Family in Prison MAG

January 28, 2009
By Anonymous

I was five when I watched my dad get led out of a courtroom in handcuffs and shackles. There were so many people moving around, I wasn’t sure what was really happening. One thing I did see very clearly and will never forget was the tear rolling down his cheek. That was the first time I had ever seen him cry. Almost 11 years have passed and I still remember that day perfectly. That was the last time I saw my dad outside prison.

Being young, only in kindergarten, I was frightened by this terrifying place. Surrounded by barbed wire and razor fences, I thought it was a horror house. That first visit was just the first of many times I’d go through the process of being frisked and walking through metal detectors.

That first time my family and I stepped into a large room filled with dozens of men wearing blue uniforms, I wondered if the other inmates’ loved ones felt the way we did. The convicts looked almost like clones – until I saw my dad. He looked much thinner and really frail. My mom started crying, and he came over and hugged her.

It felt so surreal, like I was dreaming. Now I can hardly remember my dad without his uniform. Some mornings I wake up and, for a split second, forget he’s not home anymore. Then it hurts even worse when I remember where he is and that my mom and I will never have him back.

It hurts to think of all the special memories my dad didn’t share with us. All the birthday parties and family vacations he missed. It’s one of the worst feelings in the world for a girl to know that her father won’t be there to walk her down the aisle.

While my sisters, mom, and I are out living life, Dad is in that horrific place every minute of his life, only getting to see his family one day a week. My mother and I feel so much pain not having him with us, but I can’t begin to imagine his pain and suffering every day in there.

We continue to hope for a miracle. My dad will be eligible for parole in 2023. We continue to pray that an innocent man will be freed from his life sentence for a murder he did not commit.



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This article has 234 comments.


nessie14 said...
on Nov. 4 2010 at 5:05 pm
nessie14, Salem, Oregon
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
what you wrote was beautiful and i can understand what you are going through my dad has a chance for parole in 2017. so wish him good luck and good luck to you and your dad...if you ever want to talk just write me back.

on Nov. 4 2010 at 12:42 pm
pyropoet DIAMOND, Zimmerman, Minnesota
71 articles 0 photos 59 comments

Favorite Quote:
You are NEVER alone in your troubles - there is someone who is always willing to lend a hand or a shoulder to you.
-L. Kimpton

I can only imagine what you're going through right now.... my dad was almost hauled off to prison for domestic violence a few years ago. Though I don't know you, I'll be praying that your dad gets released and is seen as innocent to the judge and jury come time for his parole hearing. No one should have to go through life without a father figure. 

This was a very good piece, by the way. I actually have two pieces of nonfiction on here as well. I hope you check them out when you are able to. Keep writing your thoughts and feelings - that's what keeps people going sometimes. Keep it up.


on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:57 pm
This was a really good piece of writing that's better then anything I've ever put down or will ever write on a piece of paper. I wouldn't know what that feels like because that's never happened to me or my family. Keep up the writing because you're an awesome writer.

on Oct. 13 2010 at 5:31 pm
Whoa, my gosh. I loved that piece its my favorite! :) but wow, i wasnt expecting that last pharagraph. That makes me want to cry... Please keep writing i was shocked and surprised with this story and i really really enjoyed it. God bless you. Peace. Hope everything works out. Thank you. Amen.

mikey123 said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 5:21 pm
wow you are an amazing writer i loved the way you were able to describe what happened and how you are feeling in that little. keep writing you will get very fun one day. i hope your dad gets out of patrol soon

on Oct. 13 2010 at 5:10 pm
writergirl13 GOLD, Cherry Hill, New Jersey
11 articles 8 photos 261 comments

Favorite Quote:
All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusions is called a philosopher.
Ambrose Bierce

I can't imagine what this is like for you. Stay strong and loose faith. I hope your father will get out on parole as soon as possible. Your writing was splendid and I was really able to tell how significant this was in your life and how much this is hurting you. Best of luck.

 


on Oct. 13 2010 at 4:32 pm
I hope your dad does get out on parole 2023. I can't imagine the pain you and your family are feeling. I'm very sorry for you.

Curly_Sue said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 4:19 pm
Curly_Sue, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
0 articles 0 photos 75 comments
i wish you luck in for future and peace for now.

on Oct. 13 2010 at 2:03 pm
i really like the description that you did in your peice on the men and how they all looked like clones.i was intrested in this peice within the fisrt two sentences of it.its nice to know that you have faith it waas there all the way through your writing.

MR HAPPY said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 11:10 am
 i am sorry that u never really get to spend time with our dad because of something he didnt do and i bet it is tuff wacking up and knowing that your not with your dad. for him to say good morning every day. for him not being able to see you every morning. when you want to hug him u cant except you cant cause he is not in the room right next to you. i am really really really sorry.

Gryre12 said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:58 am
I hope that you can see your dad more often. It seems that is very hard time for you.

blogster II said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:55 am
The story is about her dad who gets put in jail for the crime he didnt commit.

on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:54 am
The story a bout the dad in jail is sad but nice description on the prison and your dad.

on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:54 am
This article really got me. As my father has an arrest warrant over his head and i havent seen him in over 10 years i kind of know how you feel.

flyboy07 said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:52 am
I've never had anything like this, but I have had many sad events in my live and there will be more.

Sunshine6724 said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:17 am
that was a very touching story about your dad. This is a great piece of writing where all the details are arranged perfectly.

SK8 for life said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:17 am
Nice job on wording description

Screen Name said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:15 am
Wow, It would be horrible not having a dad in your family. I know some people who dont have dads and its tough for them too.

mikie said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:11 am
im so sory you had go throw that as a kid it must have been tough

RocketMan said...
on Oct. 13 2010 at 10:10 am
Its sad he starts out with his dad going to prison when he is only five years old.