Thank you, Al and Kathy for complementing the letter....yes, I'm rather proud of it which is more a testament to the power of inspiration combined with the research Geoff sent! It came together brilliantly!
As for the "Silver Linings"....there are MANY....but here's my top picks:
* When Al was turned away (told to get off the prison property immediately), he visited long time friends who are very dear to us and in difficult circumstances, so it was an important opportunity for healing and spending time with these dear friends.
* The 10 page appeal we faxed to the prison contained a Proposed Release Plan for our son (housing, employment, counselling, volunteer community hours, body building, family reunification, brief biographies for Al and I, letters of reference) which previously had fallen on deaf ears! What began as an "unfortunate" situation has hopefully turned things around in Eric's favour! I sent a copy of the appeal to Eric's case manager and there is no doubt, judging by the reaction and change in attitude towards us-- that the powers that be have now actually read the documents we submitted previously. Our intention is to focus the system on Eric's release plan and to emphasize that we are able to offer strong community supports when he is granted parole. Mission accomplished!
* Eric knows we won't give up on him and that it is possible to stand up against oppression and "right wrongs"!
We had a lovely visit with Eric yesterday and took our "adopted granddaughter". Little Mary cradles herself in her "Daddy's" (no blood relation) arms and The Loving Flow of healing and comfort that flows between them is powerful and awesome to behold! We were, as usual, enveloped in light and love throughout the visit and enjoyed a new found conciliatory kind of respect from the guards.
Al and I are grateful to have the opportunity to be used as channels in bringing Love and light into this prison which is not a place of a dignity. (Eric told us only yesterday that each inmate is strip searched, has to bend over for the guards before and after our visits. Al and I were rather taken aback by this....but this lack of dignity is part of their daily fare). (Please think about supporting Prison Reform in your local communities!)
Thanks to those of you who have sent Eric Christmas cards! He's received 19 so far and is tickled pink to receive such an outpouring of love, many kind messages and prayers from around the world! It means the world to Al and I - we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This is the best Christmas present for us -- that's for sure!
Eric was choked up when it was time for us to leave and Mary was determined to hang on to him until we were almost the last to leave....their love bond is very powerful as Eric is the only father figure she has had in her precious life. (she has experienced terrible trauma no child should have to suffer and Eric has given to her in a way that no one else ever could).
Merry Christmas -- where ever you are may you experience the true meaning and experience of The Love we are all meant to receive! God Bless, Love Jeanne
Love Jeanne
Jeanne's light and gifts shine through again and saved a bad situation. I can now see my son this Christmas eve 
.