My oldest child is in a boot-camp type program for delinquent boys.  It has been so hard on our entire family.  I fell into a deep depression; my mother, who helped me raise him when I was a single, young parent, was devastated; my youngest child started having bathroom accidents at 5 years old; my older daughter's grades started slipping from her usual principal's list glory, my marriage became more strained, and even my step-son had some issues.

We get one ten minute phone call each week, but we had to wait 30 days to visit him.  It was hell only having contact with him for ten minutes a week.

But we can write to him, and send pictures.  He will be there until the end of May.  I really want to be able to include him as much as possible in the family events and happenings we have in his absence by sending him photos.  I actually just went to get the mail and his first letter arrived-he said to start sending pictures of his family "PLEAZE"!

Thank you for the contest!