Fatherhood From Behind the Walls: Julia’s Story

In this heartfelt episode, Julia shares what it looks like to parent with a partner who’s incarcerated — and how her husband refuses to let distance define his role as a father. From teaching her daughter how to ride a bike during a video visit (with the whole unit cheering her on) to attending every doctor’s appointment for their autistic child, he shows that fatherhood doesn’t end at intake.
Julia opens up about how he’s become a mentor to other incarcerated dads, encouraging them to keep reaching out to their children even when the relationship feels broken. She describes how they “bring guys along” for virtual movie nights, girl-time face masks, and family moments they might otherwise miss.
This experience has changed Julia’s life too — so much so that she’s now pursuing law school, fueled by a passion for legislative change and a deep belief that her husband might never have reoffended if the right support had existed. This conversation is tender, inspiring, and a testament to what family can look like in impossible circumstances.

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