After reading the article “When Dad Goes to Prison” by “Alicia,” I really understood how tough her life is. Even though my dad has been in prison all my life, I still get the same feeling Alicia describes when my name is called at visitation: “Goose bumps dot my skin. I rub my arm hoping they will disappear.” That feeling is agonizing.

Alicia and I both know that that person in the jumpsuit with an inmate number stitched on is very good on the inside. But working a minimum-wage job and having to take care of several kids … people aren’t going to hand you survival; you have to go get it. Some people just go about it in different ways.

I really appreciate your honesty, Alicia. There are many kids facing this problem, and for you to speak out is amazing.