If You Haven’t Got Hope, You Have Nothing​

Hi,

I am doing the AVP programme for the last couple of years. By doing this programme, I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned new skills, my behaviours have changed, and I have changed as well for the better. Hope for me was huge, and 5 ½ years later, I still hang onto that bit of hope, because for me personally, if you haven’t got hope, you have nothing. Last year for me in particular hope came into my life and this is how my story starts.

I am in prison the last 5 ½ years, I have 4 beautiful children – 2 boys and 2 girls – 3 grandchildren. They never wanted anything to do with me as they were hurt and angry, and I understand that. There were no relationships and no contact with one another. I never thought by hanging on to a little bit of hope that things would change and now to-day they have.

At this moment and time my oldest daughter and myself have re-connected. It was a long road but eventually we got there. For me I never thought this day would come, but it has, and now I enjoy every couple of weeks having our video calls as she has moved over to Australia. She has also told me that my youngest daughter is looking to come down to see me. I was so overwhelmed by all of it.

I started crying, but this time, it has been happy tears because for the last few years, I had no-one and now I have people back in my life.

So, I would just like to say a big thanks to the AVP and keep doing what you’re doing as it does work. xxx

(AVPer in Limerick Prison)