For what seems like the umpteenth time in the last two years, our family is undergoing a major transition. A little less than 2 weeks ago, Mike was transferred from his previous DOC facility seven hours away from home in the Florida panhandle to a community custody rehab facility that is a 40 minute drive away in Daytona Beach.
We’d known this move was coming for quite some time, as it was something that was approved by DOC back in October. The wait was excruciating as we expected it to happen much much faster than it eventually did. We lived in a state of constant suspense about when it would happen for over 5 months, since inmates aren’t allowed to know when they are moving for security reasons. By the time it finally happened we’d been waiting in such a state of high expectation for so long that it seemed hard to believe that it finally was real!
Bridget had not seen her Daddy since Halloween due to a combination of her health making long-distance travel difficult for her and the environment at the previous facility being not appropriate for her to visit in due to her autism and age. She can now visit every weekend and is so happy that she gets to go play games and read books with Daddy every Sunday! Last weekend, on our second visit as a family, she jumped out of her chair and ran across the visiting room yelling “Daddy!” when he came through the door. And Mike, for his part, takes absolute joy in getting completely trounced at Angelina Matching Game – and pretends not to notice her blatant cheating. (Her autistic quirks make her insistent that certain pairs be kept together, so she will steal them from us if we get one that she thinks should be with one she already has.) Bridget also insists on eating her lunch when Daddy eats his, even though his is brought to the visiting room and served at 10:30 or so in the morning. Watching them together is a beautiful thing.
So for the foreseeable future, I’ll be setting my alarm earlier on the weekend than I do during the week, to get to the center right at opening time and make the most of every minute we can have together.
More frequent visitation is not the only benefit of Mike’s new location. This rehab program is one-of-a-kind in Florida DOC, very difficult to get into and the best substance abuse treatment that DOC has to offer. The facility is privately-run under contract to DOC by a local mental health company. We believe that being there is the best possible way for Mike to complete the rest of his sentence while receiving help for the issues that brought him to DOC in the first place. The program is designed so that Mike should complete 9 months of rehab and then transition into doing work release for the remaining 10 months of his sentence while housed at the same facility, assuming bed space allows.
This transition is a giant step forward for all of us, the first positive progress we’ve had since the day that this personal hell started almost 2 years ago. (Wow, is it hard to believe it has been that long since all of this started…) Mike is now in a much more humane setting than his previous location. Community custody means no fence, more comfortable living conditions, and less security hassle for Bridget and I when we visit. In a few weeks when his orientation period is complete, Mike will be wearing street clothes for most of his day (unfortunately, not for visitation, so Bridget and I will continue to see him only in his DOC blues). He’s being treated like a person, and being given the tools he needs to fix his life and move forward in a positive manner.
This sure isn’t over by a long haul…we aren’t even halfway through his sentence yet. But it sure feels today like we’ve made major progress in the right direction for the first time since the day this started. Thanks to everyone whose expressed their support as we have fought our way through this battle. It means more than you’ll ever know.
Oh, my gosh Nancy this is just the best news! I’m so glad to hear that this has worked out for you. I want to share this with you even though I’m not sure of your spiritual beliefs. I have had you on my petition list that I use to guide my prayers each week when I attend mass since you published the first post after Mike’s sentencing. Part of my prayer has consistently been that Mike be safe and that he receive the appropriate care for his needs. I believe this is indeed an answered prayer. I was concerned that he might not get the treatment needed and am so heartened to hear that he now has that opportunity. I’m positive that seeing you both each and every weekend will be no small part of that healing for Mike and it’s great for Bridgette and you too. Many hugs! You continue to inspire me with your loyalty and loving support.
So happy for your family to get to make this new transition! Cyber hugs and high fives your way! (I’m just a Scrapbook Update follower and PRT listener and hobby scrapper/stamper)
Oh, I am sooooo glad to read this! Been thinking about all of you and hoping and waiting for the confirmation of the good news.
Nancy,
I can’t begin to express how happy I am for you and your family. I have read about each step of the way and I am so happy that you are able to make the trek to see each other each week and truly be a family once again. It warms my heart to be able to share in the transitions with you.
This is awesome news. Brought tears to my eyes. Happy tears for the Nally family. Yay!
Wow, I have been following along with you since before all of this happened. I can’t believe that it has been two years too! Good luck for your family. It sounds like it will be awesome for you all xxx
This is wonderful news! I am so happy to hear that you have more family time and that Mike is in a better environment.
I’m so glad to hear that you have some good news for a change! I’m so happy for all three of you. What wonderful news! Silly question- can his cards have layers now, or is that always forbidden?
Thanks Cindy! We haven’t figured out yet what they will allow for cards. It looks like I probably will be able to use some layers now, but we’re just going to have to try and see what happens!
Oh Nancy, so glad to hear the news and that everything is progressing in a positive manner. God bless you all.
Awesome news Nancy! Best to you all, What a great way to start out the spring. From this point forward I bet we will hear nothing but the best news from the Nally’s. Blessing to you all as this chapter in your lives comes to a close. And please remind Mike that we all want to see some crafty tag goodness from him when he gets home!
Lysa
ps – Nancy please know your strength is an inspiration to all!
Thanks Lysa! Mike is definitely going to be playing with ink and paper when he gets home! He’s really looking forward to expressing his creative side again when he has the chance!
Wonderful news for you and your family. Especially for your beautiful daughter.
Sometimes people make mistakes and they need a second chance in life. I’m excited to hear that your family can be together again, even if it is one day a week. It really gives you hope and excitement to look forward to every single week. You are being a strong women during this chapter of life. Please know that there are understanding, non-judgmental people out there that think about you and send positive thoughts your way.
Thanks Kim! Bridget looks forward so much to her Sundays with Daddy! It’s nice like you said to have a few hours a week every week that we are a family together, and also for him and me to get some time just the two of us on Saturdays. We’ve learned to treasure the small things. Thanks so much for the support! It means a lot!
Wonderful! We all need a fresh chance at times. I’m glad he’s in a place where he can get the help he needs and that you guys can be together more often! You continue to inspire me!