[littlemama22]

My father and grandfather whom I have never had contact with are both in jail. I am wanting to write them so I can try to work on my family tree on that side. I just don't know what to say?

I know what prison they are in and their inmate #, I don't know how to do the outside of the letter and what to say in my letter.

I am somewhat nervous to do this thinking they may want more of a relationship, which i think i can handle on a slow basis (grandfather being released next feb and father for another 3 years), like writing back and forth, I am just not sure. They are in jail for drugs. I don't really expect much (even thought I have always wanted contact with my father but I always had my mom telling me "no" now that I can do whatever I want I am nervous), but my father is the only grandfather my girls (4 and 1 and my fiance's dad passed away) and I am just really unsure on what to do and how to do it. We don't have the extra money for a PO Box either.

Please either leave a suggestion here or IM me on AIM (BitterSwtBelinda) or MSN (macha_lilacs@hotmail.com) and YIM is little_momma_05.

Thanks so much for the help, I really don't know what to do!

[Samual]

I wouldn't personally as I wouldn't want to bring my family around criminals.

[browneyes01]

I think everyone deserves a second chance, and they are paying for there crimes we can say that we don't want our families around criminals but you don't know the ins and outs of everyone around you so your children could be around criminals and you don't know. I say take it slow first write about exactly what it is you want from them and if they initiate contact after that then go for it. Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes when you have people that believe in you, you can change your life. And you don't have to bring them around your family until you are comfortable.

[misskitties001]

I can understand that you wouldnt want to get entangled deep and its always hard to know what they are thinking about.. my oldest brother and uncle where in jail for a long time.. brother got out and is still a criminal, uncle isnt. Personally if you want to contact them contact them... If they write you back something about visiting you or anything along those lines anything you aren't comfortable with just let them know you arent ready.. as far as how to address the letter

First line Inmates name, number and block assignment if known.

Second Line Name of Institution Spelled out Completely

Thrid line Physical address of institution or its P.O. Box number

Fourth line City, State and Zip Code.

[Magic_Mikki]

I would bet a million bucks that your father and grandfather would be incredibly overjoyed if you contacted them. Also, I would bet you wouldn't regret it, either. Do you live near? Because you don't have to send a letter-- you can go and visit in person. That way they won't know your address if you decide they are scum bags. Otherwise, if you do write a letter I'm sure they would write you back and be thrilled about it. It would give them hope and something to look forward to.

[abrahamalegre]

I think as far as reaching out you can't be faulted if you try to make the first step to contact them. but be cautious and take measured steps

[gatorgirlsrock]

well from someone who never met my grandparents on my mom's side and barely had a relationship with my other grandparents (and not because they had passed, or were in jail, etc.) I can tell you I do not feel like as a child I missed out. I mean, at times I see my boyrfriends family and think it's so awesome he has such a great relationship with his grandparents. But I know deep down, my relationship would never be like theirs. With that said, if you want to contact them for your own personal reasons, I would say sure, why not. But bringing your kids in it, I would be a little hesitant. I would feel out the conversations you have with both men first, whether via letter or face to face. The let that lead to a decision on if you should have them meet/see your children.