Mom Goes to Prison
A Story About a Mother Going to Prison33 total reviews
Comment from Dopeless Hopefiend
Harry,
To me, this is a touching and deeply personal account of a challenging period in the narrator's childhood. Its emotional honesty and relatable themes make it a compelling read. Its strengths lie in its authenticity and emotional resonance. As I proceeded through the read it became an even more powerful exploration of family, resilience, and the enduring bonds of love.
Thanks for sharing, keep writing!
-DH
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
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Harry,
To me, this is a touching and deeply personal account of a challenging period in the narrator's childhood. Its emotional honesty and relatable themes make it a compelling read. Its strengths lie in its authenticity and emotional resonance. As I proceeded through the read it became an even more powerful exploration of family, resilience, and the enduring bonds of love.
Thanks for sharing, keep writing!
-DH
Comment Written 21-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
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Thank you again, D.H. I truly appreciate the kind words and great review!
Comment from Sallyo
Well told in a straight-forward manner. Apart from a couple of typos (see below) this one is also well-proofed.
and mom was
and Mom was
grandfathers' house
grandfather's house
This would make a good chapter in a memoir
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Well told in a straight-forward manner. Apart from a couple of typos (see below) this one is also well-proofed.
and mom was
and Mom was
grandfathers' house
grandfather's house
This would make a good chapter in a memoir
Comment Written 21-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Thank you so much Sallyo! I truly appreciate the great review and thanks for catching my oops!
Comment from Sanku
This was a very touching write up .I can imagine what you must have gone through as a child,almost a baby . But you were lucky to have grandparents who looked after you during those tough times..
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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This was a very touching write up .I can imagine what you must have gone through as a child,almost a baby . But you were lucky to have grandparents who looked after you during those tough times..
Comment Written 21-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Thank you so much Sanku for the kind words and great review! Yes, it was tough. We all have tough times in life though and we get through it. I truly appreciate you!
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Wow. I can only imagine the heat the kid got from his school-mates and friends having a mum be imprisoned. Is there another you knew that experienced something akin to that experience?
Had you demanded to stay in the car, I would have let you be until you got hungry.
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Wow. I can only imagine the heat the kid got from his school-mates and friends having a mum be imprisoned. Is there another you knew that experienced something akin to that experience?
Had you demanded to stay in the car, I would have let you be until you got hungry.
Comment Written 21-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Well, I was only 4 at the time Tom, so I was not in school and when I started school, they did not know. And yes, I would have gotten hungry lol! Thanks for the great review!
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
There were a lot of tough times in the Good Old Days. World War II was over, and people seemed to have more money to spend on things, but a lot of people were left behind who didn't have skills or lived in economically depressed areas. Thank you for sharing this sad story about your family's problems. For a couple of years, my family of 4 lived in a two room shack until times got a little better.
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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There were a lot of tough times in the Good Old Days. World War II was over, and people seemed to have more money to spend on things, but a lot of people were left behind who didn't have skills or lived in economically depressed areas. Thank you for sharing this sad story about your family's problems. For a couple of years, my family of 4 lived in a two room shack until times got a little better.
Comment Written 21-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Yes, Carol. There were a lot of hard times. I wish I could say my life has been easier, but I guess there are people who are worse off than I have ever been. Thank you so much for the great review!
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
Wow. Your writing is very real and complete. I can relate to your mom because when I left my exhubabd who was violent, I became a single mom. I'm not sure if I even had a bank account so not sure I wrote checks that way but I did have to call my bills and make all kinds of arrangements. My parents were far and older but helped how they could. It's boy fun having a child let alone children to feed and little to no money. I feel bad your mom went to jail. Yet, white collar bankers walk free. It's very shameful. Society must support women and children.
Excellent descriptions.
Best wishes,
Alex
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Wow. Your writing is very real and complete. I can relate to your mom because when I left my exhubabd who was violent, I became a single mom. I'm not sure if I even had a bank account so not sure I wrote checks that way but I did have to call my bills and make all kinds of arrangements. My parents were far and older but helped how they could. It's boy fun having a child let alone children to feed and little to no money. I feel bad your mom went to jail. Yet, white collar bankers walk free. It's very shameful. Society must support women and children.
Excellent descriptions.
Best wishes,
Alex
Comment Written 20-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Yes, Alex. You are so right. I see it everyday. Single women with 3 kids working at McDonald's, no man to help. I feel for them. Thank you so much for the great review!
Comment from Slo_6
This is a very interesting memoir. There's so much emotion here. I'm glad I read it.
I like your first three paragraphs. It sets the stage and then gently rolls into the story. The memories shared in the third paragraph are particularly pleasant and paint a nice picture of the relationship between child and mother.
"However, there was one moment in my life that I never forgot." - I'd recommend that you try something different for this transitional sentence. It's not the same smooth and pleasant voice as the sentences that precede it.
"When my grandfather asked why, they stated she had been writing bad checks that could not be paid." - This is lengthier than necessary. We can assume that your grandfather had a conversation with the police. I'm not clear if you're grandfather explained all this in detail to you, and you're repeating it back to us. If so, I'm not sure why it's important. Maybe it was hard for you to understand? If you're not trying to convey your reaction, you could have more concisely written, "...had been arrested for writing bad checks," and the reader wouldn't be missing anything. Also, you use the word "stated" here and again in the next paragraph. Consider using some other verbs (e.g. "My grandfather explained that we would have to stay..."
"Everyone got out of the car except me." - This whole paragraph is excellent. You paint a vivid and emotional scene that commands attention. Just as important, in a few sentences you tell the reader so much about you, your grandfather, and the situation. I can't tell you what other readers value, but, for me, this is really good, compelling writing.
"However, they did notice." - You can take away this sentence and the reader doesn't miss out on anything. You might be trying to jolt the reader, but, if so, I would try some different wording. This didn't have a great impact on me.
"During this time, my grandfather tried to keep me busy..." - I think you can really expand on this part of the story. You tell us the hunting and fishing hepled take your mind off of things, but I'd like to know more. Did you enjoy it? Did you appreciate the time with your grandfather. He's pitching in as a parental figure here, and it's very interesting to hear about how that played out.
"I thought sometimes this was my fault..." - Same here. I feel so sad that you had this feeling. Guilt is such a wicked and deceptive thing, and we can all relate.
Thanks for posting this!
** This reviewer has pledged to rate in accordance with site guidelines.**
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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This is a very interesting memoir. There's so much emotion here. I'm glad I read it.
I like your first three paragraphs. It sets the stage and then gently rolls into the story. The memories shared in the third paragraph are particularly pleasant and paint a nice picture of the relationship between child and mother.
"However, there was one moment in my life that I never forgot." - I'd recommend that you try something different for this transitional sentence. It's not the same smooth and pleasant voice as the sentences that precede it.
"When my grandfather asked why, they stated she had been writing bad checks that could not be paid." - This is lengthier than necessary. We can assume that your grandfather had a conversation with the police. I'm not clear if you're grandfather explained all this in detail to you, and you're repeating it back to us. If so, I'm not sure why it's important. Maybe it was hard for you to understand? If you're not trying to convey your reaction, you could have more concisely written, "...had been arrested for writing bad checks," and the reader wouldn't be missing anything. Also, you use the word "stated" here and again in the next paragraph. Consider using some other verbs (e.g. "My grandfather explained that we would have to stay..."
"Everyone got out of the car except me." - This whole paragraph is excellent. You paint a vivid and emotional scene that commands attention. Just as important, in a few sentences you tell the reader so much about you, your grandfather, and the situation. I can't tell you what other readers value, but, for me, this is really good, compelling writing.
"However, they did notice." - You can take away this sentence and the reader doesn't miss out on anything. You might be trying to jolt the reader, but, if so, I would try some different wording. This didn't have a great impact on me.
"During this time, my grandfather tried to keep me busy..." - I think you can really expand on this part of the story. You tell us the hunting and fishing hepled take your mind off of things, but I'd like to know more. Did you enjoy it? Did you appreciate the time with your grandfather. He's pitching in as a parental figure here, and it's very interesting to hear about how that played out.
"I thought sometimes this was my fault..." - Same here. I feel so sad that you had this feeling. Guilt is such a wicked and deceptive thing, and we can all relate.
Thanks for posting this!
** This reviewer has pledged to rate in accordance with site guidelines.**
Comment Written 20-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Thank you so much for the great review and great ideas as well. I truly appreciate that!
Comment from Karen Cherry
That had to be so very awful. Some guys, (not you dear). have no sense of responsibility because they were not taught this. Back in the olden days, for the most part, females worked from birth, and boys played outside and got waited on. Guys are fighting back trying to try to get this reinstated. Your dad and others took no responsibility for the children But, you seemed to turn out well. Your momma loved you. That always makes a difference. Have a good weekend. You wrote a good strong story. Karen
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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That had to be so very awful. Some guys, (not you dear). have no sense of responsibility because they were not taught this. Back in the olden days, for the most part, females worked from birth, and boys played outside and got waited on. Guys are fighting back trying to try to get this reinstated. Your dad and others took no responsibility for the children But, you seemed to turn out well. Your momma loved you. That always makes a difference. Have a good weekend. You wrote a good strong story. Karen
Comment Written 20-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Thank you so much Karen for the kind words and great review! I truly appreciate that! Yes, I turned out fine. I retired as a military officer with a Master's degree. I worked very hard for it, so I think I did alright...
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We succeeded because we needed too in order to be sane.
We got strong, by relying on ourselves. And we help others because not many have us. Karen
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So true Karen!!!
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We aren't just survivors, we are achievers. Folks don't notice this because as a rule we do things quietly without fanfare. We do not seek notice.
Am I right? Karen
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Yes, you are!
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Harry, this is another of your stunning. faultlessly written stories that gets me close to tears. I can hear the child in you all the way through which makes this doubly poignant. If that judge only knew or considered then how this kind of sentence punishes the innocent as well as the guilty, in this case the children, he might possibly have been more humane. I mean, you can't get blood out of a stone, so what's the point? There are other sentences that don't wreck families. In your case, at least you had your grandparents but would anyone have minded if you hadn't? Thank you for sharing. Warm wishes Debbie
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Harry, this is another of your stunning. faultlessly written stories that gets me close to tears. I can hear the child in you all the way through which makes this doubly poignant. If that judge only knew or considered then how this kind of sentence punishes the innocent as well as the guilty, in this case the children, he might possibly have been more humane. I mean, you can't get blood out of a stone, so what's the point? There are other sentences that don't wreck families. In your case, at least you had your grandparents but would anyone have minded if you hadn't? Thank you for sharing. Warm wishes Debbie
Comment Written 20-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Well, thank you so much Debbie for the kind words and great review! Life hasn't always been a rose garden that's for sure lol! However, I made it through...And yes, I guess a judge just judges and really doesn't see the other side.
Comment from Richard Frohm
Harry, this is one of the BEST story's I have ever read on FanStory. I hung on every word, not wanting to miss a single one. There is no way you could have told this story any better. You made everything so vivid.
You say you may not be a great writter. Well I disagree!!
Richard
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Harry, this is one of the BEST story's I have ever read on FanStory. I hung on every word, not wanting to miss a single one. There is no way you could have told this story any better. You made everything so vivid.
You say you may not be a great writter. Well I disagree!!
Richard
Comment Written 20-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2025
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Well, thank you so much Richard. I truly appreciate the kind words and great review!
