Dear Members and Advocates,
A few weeks ago, I asked some women to share their thoughts about motherhood in recognition and celebration of Mother’s Day. After reading several of their stories, I was left paralyzed, and in no mood to celebrate anything.
There was the mother who never dreamed she would be visiting her son in prison. There was the mother who lost her only son to suicide because he felt he could no longer live under the pressures of the Registry. There was the mother who lost the relationship of her daughter because she chose to forgive and stand by her husband. There was the mother who finds herself with two families; first it is she, her husband and one a son on the registry that feels like an only child, but then another family of she, her husband, and three other children as though their registered brother does not exist. And finally, there is the mother who was placed on the registry long before her children were born, and life on the registry is all her children have known.
What I thought would be stories of fond, lasting memories turned out to be a collection of loss and sadness. But upon reflection, I saw a common thread in each story, as though a rainbow appeared. Each woman expressed unwavering love, genuine care and compassion, hope for positive change, and the power that comes from forgiveness. While they did not ask to be placed in their position [i.e., affected by the Registry], they accepted it, and chose instead to find the strength to never give up.
The mother whose son is incarcerated said that she has never felt closer to him; how they look forward to calls and visits, and how their exchange of feelings, concerns, and philosophies may otherwise have never happened. Together, they are preparing for the day he returns home, her same loving son, but a new man with a positive outlook.
The mother who lost her son speaks at every opportunity to share her son’s value, encourage others to recognize their value, and above all to never to give up on life.
The mother who stood by her husband hopes that one day her daughter’s eyes will be opened by her faith, and she will learn to forgive.
The mother who has two families loves her children equally and wants them to know that no matter what they do, their mother will never abandon them. So, to respect her, she asks that her own children love their family, their children, their siblings, enough to never abandon one another.
Finally, the mother who, at age 21 and on the Registry, was told “We will take your baby if you get pregnant” shared how she never thought she would even experience the joy of motherhood. But 16 years later and a mother of three, she has managed to navigate her way through life and has taken her children on that journey with her every step of the way. She writes “Even though there have been challenges, there have also been blessings because of what I have learned from my past. A lot of our adult “issues” come from our childhood abuse that was never properly addressed. Even if no one places a hand on a child, there can still be abuse. It’s called neglect! Feeling ignored as children can make for adults who do not feel healthy confidence and go looking for attention in all the wrong places. Thankfully, since my kids know I’ve always been honest with them, they know that I am here for them anytime they need to talk, and they take my advice. They believe me because of my past and the experiences I’ve had. “
She concludes “I’ve been called many different labels, but no better title than Momma! I do not care what else I may be called. I’m someone’s mother. I gave my three babies their hearts and breath. Since I’ve been a mom, I’ve been left breathless so many times because they have made my heart grow so much. I am and always will be their momma bear! They have me, and that gives them strength and hope! That’s worth celebrating! You are worth celebrating! Your kids are worth celebrating! “
For moms everywhere, a belated-Mother’s Day and our heartfelt thank you for the endless love, joy, care, wisdom, encouragement, and hope that you have given to so many. Above all, you are an inspiration and pillar of strength beyond words. You drive us to move forward and remind us to NEVER GIVE UP!
For women everywhere, you are special. Sometime soon, recognize a woman that has made a difference in your life with a simple call or note to let her know you are thinking of her today.
Sincerely,
The Florida Action Committee (FAC)
NOTE: FAC is starting a Women’s Group for WFR [Women Forced to Register]. For details and more information, contact [email protected]
ANNOUCEMENTS
Monthly Membership Call – Thu Jun 1 at 8pm ET. 319-527-3487. Topic: Communicating with your Legislators – Keep the Momentum Going! If you have any problem connecting for free, you can text CALL ME to 319-527-3487 for a call back from Free Conference Call and you will be connected to the meeting at no charge.
New Member Orientation Call – Thu Jun 8 at 8pm ET. 319-527-3487. NO Agenda. Call in to learn more about the organization, volunteer opportunities, where to find support, get resources and referrals, or just share information. If you have any problem connecting for free, you can text CALL ME to 319-527-3487 for a call back from Free Conference Call and you will be connected to the meeting at no charge.
Family Support Group – Sat Jun 10 from 11am-1pm. By Invitation only for non-registered family members with loved ones on the Registry. Must be an FAC member. To participate, contact [email protected] or call 833-273-7325, Option 1.
MEET and GREETS
Sat Jun 3 -Sarasota, 1-4pm. RSVP to [email protected] or call 941-500-4706
Sat Jun 10 – West Palm Beach, 10am-1pm RSVP to Danell at [email protected] or call 772-494-1947.
Sat Jun 10 – Miami, 4-6:30pm RSVP to Dessie at [email protected] or call 772-226-0304
Sat Jun 10 – Jacksonville, 3-5:30pmRSVP [email protected] or call/text (904) 300-0109.
Sat Jun 17 -Tampa, 1-3pm RSVP to Daphne at [email protected] or call 757-570-2060
Sat Jun 17 -Fort Myers, noon-3pm. RSVP to f[email protected] or call/text to 904-428-8724
Sat Jul 29 -Apopka, noon-3pm. RSVP to [email protected] or call 833-273-7325,Option 1.
Sat Aug 5-Clearwater – 1-3pm -RSVP to [email protected] or call 217-218-2749.
Sat Aug 12-Citrus County-2-5pm RSVP to [email protected] or leave message at 833-273-7325 Option 1.
Sat Aug 19-Highlands County- 11am-2pm RSVP to Morris at [email protected] or leave message at 863-256-3026
VOUNTEERS NEEDED – If you are interested, email [email protected] or call 833-273-7325,Option 1.
County Coordinators – New Training class runs May 21 to Jun 18, from 7-8:30pm each Sunday night.
Staff Writers are needed for articles, posts and Weekly Updates. If you have a story, article or topic of interest to share, please submit it to [email protected]
Membership Communications – Return phone calls and emails from members seeking information. Training provided.
PenPal Communications – Respond to letters from inmates seeking information and support. Training provided.
With Unity Comes Change -Get Involved and Volunteer Today!
Florida Action Committee
www.floridaactioncommittee.org
[email protected]
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