My little one and I have not long got home. We’ve been to the theatre with a support service who work with families affected by parental imprisonment.
The tickets were funded and the kids all got slushes and sweets. The staff are so lovely. It was such an inclusive group. Adults and children mingled together.. Nobody knowing who was with who. Nobody judging.
It felt strange to do something like that just my youngest and I. My teenager is way too cool to go to a panto. Usually hubby would be with us too.
It was nice to have fun again. They put on a great performance of acting, singing and dancing. It was nice to forget for a few minutes here and there. Although there is such a sense of loss there all the time.
Prison feels like a temporary bereavement
On the way back to the car my Son said how it was ‘good to know’ that other kids have a parent in prison just like him. There’s real comfort in going through a tough time in your life and knowing you’re not the only one.
Aftet the ‘knock’ last year, I promised myself that we would accept any help and support we needed. I’ve been a support worker for many years myself. Whenever I have worked with a client who seems to struggle to accept support I’ve always said that we all need help and support at some time in our life.
Well I have practised what I preach. As much as we are coping, financially, it’s good to feel supported too. It’s good for not everything to be left down to me.
I guess I was right what I used to say to my clients, That we ‘all need support at some time in our life.’ It’s the circle of life.
After the knock 