Best friend / Older brother sentences 5-7 years

[Southern Devil]

I think that it will be good for him, but at the same time, I just lost my best friend and brother whom I am very close with. This is a huge life changer for me. He was my sidekick and only one I could count on. I don't know where to turn. Everytime I loose a friend or family member, my brother is there to comfort me. But now its him.

I looked for a similar thread but could not find, feel free to merge.

I was just hoping for advice on how to cope with this. I know writing and visitation will help a little, and at least I know he is safe in there. He had a heroin problem. I'm sorta loosing it because I cant even call him like right now when I need him here!!! We are less than 2 years apart hes 28 and im 26. Robert and Rebecca. No longer?

 

[herbavore]

I am really sorry. It sounds like you are very close and I'm sure that your brother will be helped during his time inside simply knowing that he has someone like you outside supporting him. There is an organization where I live called Friends Outside that offers help to inmates and their families while they are incarcerated. I did a quick google search and only saw CA locations but you might want to check your local area to see if there is a chapter. If not, contact your local social services and ask if there are any support services for family members of people who are incarcerated.

How often will you be able to visit?

 

[Missykins]

I haven't had this experience, but I would imagine that staying in touch in whatever way you can, through books, letters, visits, photographs, is probably the most important thing you can do for both of you. Hang in there.

 

[Dave]

^ Best advice ever. You may not be able to physically spend time together, but there's no reason that you can't still be close. Yes, it's a huge life change for both of you, but while it is not a short-term change it certainly isn't permanent either. The adjustment will be tough at first, but you'll both be able to adapt to the new circumstance soon enough. Don't despair; you'll be there when he gets out, and you'll be with him as best you can until then.

 

[maxalfie]

I really feel for you @SouthernDevil you must feel so alone at the moment. It may seem forever away but your brother will be out in a few years and he will be clean of drugs also.
As you said you can still visit him so it's not like you have no contact at all.
I was in prison myself many years ago as a young angry rebellious teenager but I came out more mature and a lot calmer as a person.
The most important thing you can do that will help you both greatly is to write him lots of letters.
The one thing any person in prison really looks forward to is getting letters from friends and family. It lets them know that they are not forgotten as being in prison can sometimes make u feel like the world is passing u by and that it's a case of out of sight out of mind.
Receiving mail lets you know that you aren't forgotten and that people are thinking about and missing you.
Plus receiving mail from your brother would also help you just as much as it will help him.
I wish you all the best.