For anyone with a loved one behind bars, those precious moments on the phone are like lifelines. It’s a brief escape from the harsh reality of prison life, a chance to hear the voice of someone you love, and to remind each other that you’re still connected, no matter the distance. But then, just as you’re getting into the conversation, you hear those dreaded words: "You've got 1 minute remaining."
In that moment, everything changes. Time suddenly feels like it’s slipping
through your fingers, and you’re faced with the harsh reality that this
connection, this brief moment of normalcy, is about to be cut short. The clock
is ticking, and you have to make the most of what little time you have left.
When that warning comes, there’s a sense of panic that sets in. What do you
say? How do you sum up everything you want to communicate in just 60 seconds?
Do you offer words of comfort, share the latest news, or simply say, "I
love you" one more time? It’s an impossible choice, and the pressure of
the countdown can feel overwhelming.
For my husband and me, those final seconds are often filled with a rush of
words—trying to cram in as much as we can before the line goes dead. It’s a
bittersweet moment, knowing that the connection is about to be severed, and all
that’s left is silence. The abrupt end of the call is a stark reminder of the
barriers between us, and the reality of prison life.
That single minute carries so much weight. It’s a reminder of the
limitations placed on our relationship, the control that the system has over
our lives, and the constant presence of time—always running out, always
dictating what we can and cannot do. The emotional toll of these calls is
heavy, both for the person behind bars and for those of us on the outside.
After the call ends, there’s often a lingering sense of loss. The
conversation is over, but the emotions remain. There are so many things left
unsaid, so many feelings that couldn’t be fully expressed in such a short
amount of time. It’s hard not to feel a sense of frustration, of wanting more
time, of wishing that these calls didn’t have to end so soon.
Despite the challenges, those minutes on the phone are precious. They’re a
chance to maintain the bond with your loved one, to offer support, and to keep
the connection alive. Over time, you learn to make the most of every second—to
focus on what’s most important, to share the love and encouragement that will
carry you both through until the next call.
It’s not easy, but it’s a reminder of the strength of your relationship, of
the love that persists even in the face of adversity. That one minute might be
brief, but it’s filled with meaning, with the knowledge that you’re still there
for each other, no matter what.
"Your call is now being terminated." The line goes dead, but the
love doesn’t. Those phone calls, limited as they are, are a testament to the
resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of connection. Even when
time is running out, we find ways to make every second count, to hold onto the
hope that one day, we won’t be bound by these limitations.
Until then, we keep listening for those precious words— "I love
you"—and holding onto them until the next time the phone rings.
Micah 6:8 (NIV): “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to
walk humbly with your God.”
#PrisonCalls #InmateAdvocacy #PrisonWifeJourney #EppersonEmpowerment
#StayConnected #LoveAndResilience #EndMassIncarceration #InmateSupport
#PrisonLife
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