Joe, I am so happy that you have this wonderful opportunity to share your/our story with others. It's somewhat surreal to be communicating with you via e-mail. Reading your words feels me anew with gratitude that I was blessed to share my life with you. To all who read this...Joe Gaillard is a wonderful man. He loves and cares for his family. He was a wonderful husband, and our children are proof of the fact that he is a loving and supportive father. Joe has always been a hard-working man, and his hard work afforded us the luxury that I could be a stay-at-home wife and mother...my dream come true. For anyone who believes that "THIS couldn't happen to MY family", again, we are proof that it can. But we are also proof that "love endures all things". I am looking forward to your next post. I love you. Shannon

Great to read your Blog keep them coming!! Prayers coming your way!!

Mr Gaillard-
I have wanted to meet you for quite a while now, but not being family has not made that possible. So as to not sound like a crazed stalker, I'll explain who I am and how I have grown to know you. Your daughter, Faith, and I are great friends! I have been around through this whole "ordeal" and have been blessed to be a prayer partner for her and your family. I am thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to share with you and to hear your story through your words. God has given us such a short time on this earth and Faith and Shannon, more lovingly called by my son (Quinn) as Nanna, have told me how you are reaching a lost society in prison with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! I am continuing to pray that HE uses you to HIS glory daily! Praying for you...

Ashley Lawton :)

Mr. Joe, it truly brings tears to my eyes to hear your words. Although the years at NGU with Faith and i as roommates has been sometime, I still smile when I think of the memories we shared! I will always love your family and the way y'all made me feel like I was apart! I pray for you often! Amy Flynn :)

Hey Joey,

Joe and I have been friends for 24 years, give or take.We taught me what I know about the game of pool.Still have the stick he sold me for $3 he picked up at a yard sale.

Joe is kind of my "therapist".It helps me writing out what happens to me during the week.
And believe me, all kinds of stuff happens to me.

Love Bro,
Keep The Faith
Kevin

Well, we Gaillards have a way of making sure things are never boring! God has grown us all so much and used our circumstances to reach others. It is a life i never thought would be ours, but we are still family, for better or worse. I am so fortunate to have grown up in a home full of love, support, and happiness. It is a solid foundation to raise my own son. My one complaint is that I have been grossly underrepresented in this blog-I look for future entries to be devoted solely to my wonderfulness. Make sure that happens...love always, your firstborn,
Faith

My role in Joe's life is the greatest one I am his Mom I am so proud of him and what he is doing on the inside. He is a special man and as Shannon said we are so blessed to be part of his life. Joe is a wonderful man who loves his family and friends very much. I too am looking forward to your next post. I love you. Mom

Well, I am not as selfish as my sister to request entries devoted solely to my wonderfulness. After all, why say what is already known? You might have been first, sis, but they got it right on the second try.

That said, our family is many things. Interesting, yes. Terrifying, sometimes. But most importantly, loving and supportive. It's strange to look back and see how our circumstances have shaped my life. Without my dad's incarceration (no doubt the worst experience of my life) I would have never grown bold enough to pick up and move across the country, away from nearly everyone I know and love.

But this test has taught me that I can survive anything, including living in Washington (I'm not sure where WHASHINGTON is--if that's what's in South Carolina's geography books, then it's no wonder our education system rates so low).

I'm still proud to be your daughter, Daddy. After all, without you, I wouldn't have my love for fantasy. I can't wait to see your future posts. Love always (from your second-but-the-best-born), Jo

. = Time line of life, avg. 70 years in this fallen world ruled by Satan. And Joe does it ever show! It's getting worse out here by the day.

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Hi Joe, nice to meet you here.

Here talks a reflective man and proud father, when I read your blog.

Most thoughts come at night you write. All the great mystics speak of the ´dark night, where all happens.´ At night we meet with our greatest dreams and fears I think.

Amidst all the noise ... This reminds me of the Desiderata, a very old scripture, author unknowd.

Here, for you, the lyrics

Bye for now,
take care

Marianne
The Netherlands



Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Joe,
How wonderful that "Between the Bars Blog" have given so many. Another Blessing for you and for those of us who keep you in our hearts and in our prayers.
Spent an wonderful weekend with you Mom and some of the "Prayer Sisters", as always you are in our prayers and we are so thankful that you have been such a witness to so many.
Love and Prayers
Jan

Hi Joe,

It is good to see that you can share your experience with others and that you have not given up on life. We have prayed for you, Shannon, and the girls and know that you are all in God's care. I look forward to reading your blogs in the future.

Tammy Looper Cooper (Dacusville)

hi joe-we're finally getting to talk to each other. do you realize that during the 15 or so years our parents have been married, you and i have never met!! what a shame. we just never seemed to end up in the same place at the same time. i want you to know i think you're mother is a wonderful person. i love her dearly. but i'm sure you already know all of that. you're a lucky indivilal to have been raised by such a careing mom. i lost mine in 2001 and my youngest brother, jody in 2008 and then my only other brother, curtis, the 2nd of sept. 2011. but not 1 time have i needed a shoulder or some advice or any kind of support , that your mom hasn't been there for me. i've kinda known why you're in there. but never ask right out . but reading your words about why gives me new insight about the whole situation. all i know is-drugs make you stupid and no one should ever think your circumstances can't happen in ANYBODYS family. never say never. i learned the hard way too. hopefuly , this won't be the only time i can communicate with you. ill look for future blogs.. may God bless you every day and keep you in his loving arms. diana

Hey Joe, I finally got hooked up here to get in touch with you. This is such a blessing to have an outlet to you. I am old now and still lazy so this is just handy. I love you Joe and think of you often. Of course you are in my prayers always. I was coming to see you last week but Mitchell had surgery and I had to stay with him. He is doing well so hopefully I can see you soon. Love 'n misses. Aunt Judy

Joe, John here...Jan's brother. Though we have never met I will be a prayer brother with you. Thanks to M.I.T. for this priviledge! Thank you MIT.

Joe, It was great spending time with you yesterday. You are such a blessing. It's a joy seei9ng and hearing what God is doing in your life. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. You are special to us. God has a big plan and I can't wait for the revealing. Love you lots. Aunt Jenny

Magic Man: I think about you often. They are good thoughts too. That is what the Word says to do!(Philippians 4:5) I received your letter sometime ago and misplaced it until the other day. Thanks for allowing me to connect with you via "Betweenthebars." Must be wonderful to study the Word in Hebrew and/or Greek. Talk about indepth study!!
I still have "The Message Bible" which you gave me. It has the ability to open the Word using today's English. Joey, Each time I see that Bible in the bookcase and each time I pass the condo where you live, I remember our good times. Blessings,
I love you, Man! miles