Even though I have a son who will be in prison for quite a few years, life is fairly normal for me. I don't cringe when I think about where he is, nor do I hide the fact. I believe it's because I have been strengthened so the burdens placed upon my shoulders are light, and sometimes I can't even feel them.
I need to share a funny story: we have to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the prison. If the buzzer goes off, we can't go in. I have learned some tricks (the guards taught me) to turn sideways so the under wire in my bra won't set it off. Usually works. Last week the buzzer kept buzzing as I walked through. The guard said it was around my waist. I was wearing a skirt with a metal zipper. She said, "I'm sorry but unless that buzzer stops you won't be able to see your son, and we can not pat you down." I didn't bring any extra clothes, because who does that? So I took my skirt off, and walked through the security gate in my slip! The buzzer didn't go off. The guard said, "uh, we normally don't let people do that." I laughed and said, "well, I guess your abnormal is my normal." Not sure I'll be able to get away with that again. I'll put a pair of sweat pants in the car!
