Family and Friends Forum

Oh Smile, I just wanted to say that I am thinking of you and I wish I could give you a hug



xx

Oh Smile I just want to give you a massive hug xxx

Along with everyone else reading your post, I'm sending you a massive hug too. Anyone could take a simpler option but you are resolute in your commitment and loyalty to your son so it's an impossible situation which you are making possible because of your unconditional love. That is the strongest thing ever, although I'm sure you don't feel strong a lot of the time. It's a heavy weight to bear and we are able to help you carry it on the days when it feels overwhelming.

Your family get together must have been bitter sweet, so hope you can hold the precious bits close without too many shadows spoiling things.

Lots of love xxx

Smile, I feel for you so much and empathise. Although my situation is different, the feelings of loss, of life never being the same again because of their drive for that sexual thrill, hurts so much.

Please don't ever feel you should stop posting. If it helps you, post away as much as you like. You don't know how much support you are providing to others by sharing your thoughts.

Hugs x

Smile I just want to give you a big virtual hug and reassure you that your input is so valuable on the forum. I watched a film a few days ago and Take That were singing "The Garden", I'm not sure if you know the lyrics but when it played I looked across at my husband and noticed he was singing the lyrics but looked desperately sad and tearful. I had to look away quickly as I too got upset. "This is the life we've been given", how those words resonate with me, it's not the life we would have chosen but I had to keep reassuring him that despite the different life now (he lost all of his friends, half of my family don't speak to both of us, neighbours totally ignore us, I could go on), we are still a strong team and we have our home, our own immediate family and his family. I know I shouldn't but I feel so much guilt when I go out with my friends knowing I am his only true friend in the world, it really does break my heart to think that a man of his age has no male friends at all as prior to this happening he was popular, sociable and well liked and loved by all who knew him. I often think we have come out of this journey okay but deep down that sadness will never leave me. I can only imagine the sadness you are feeling for your son, we will never have a normal family life again and I get that grief you have for the future.
Thank you for all your posts which I do read, you are a strong lady and an absolute role model for a good, kind, caring and loving mother.
Love Katie xxxx

Smile, I also empathise with you and Katie28, it is so horrific, the continuing punishment offenders experience, even after having served their sentence, and by extension, their families. I also feel envy when I participate in extended family events, or observe other families, eg in the park or a museum or at a restaurant, having fun and being a normal family. I feel like my family life will never be normal again. And this is just under bail conditions, and having disclosed to very few people. :(

Just so envious of the people having a normal life. I'd give anything to have that again.

I have to say there is no one person on this forum i have ever thought, gosh i hope they stop posting. The alternative to not posting when you need to unimaginable. Even if it was the same question over and over again, if that one person needs something then we are all here to give the love and support each of us needs. Smile through tears, never stop posting when u need to. This forum has saved me, it has helped me when i did not even know i needed help. For example without this forum i would never know about convictions and insurance, and this forum gives me support when i need it the most. I feel your pain about your family. I only have one sibling and they do not want to talk about my OH, i lie when i do things with him as they look at me with disgust that i should even entertain it, so lie that either i dont do anything or i say i have done it with someone else! Bitterbean i too wish to have that normal life again. Even though it is over a year post sentencing i think my brain still thinks i am just in a bad dream and one day i will wake up.

No advice Smile but just want you to know your are an incredible woman in how you've dealt with what has been thrown at you. We are always here to listen to you xx

Much love to you Smile xxxxxxxxxx

Hi Smile through tears,

I don't no way u posted sorry but I hope u r OK and I'm sending big hugs and love ur way xx