Need help writing a letter to brother in Jail?

Question

This is a weird question, you'd think it would be easy writing a letter to a brother, but we were never real close, because of our large age difference. Plus, we are half brothers so we were never around each other. But now that I'm older, and more mature, I feel guilty for never writing him since he's been in jail.

And I wish that we were close.

Anyways, I'm writing him for the first time in years. Last time I wrote, he laughed at a lot of the stuff I wrote down because it was kind of foolish (apparently). For instance, I asked him "How's it going" and I guess thats a dumb thing to ask someone who is in prison. We don't have much in common, him being a criminal and me being a soon to be high school grad and going to college, we are two extremes.

So please, what are some things I could say or ask to get this started? Any ideas or tips are greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Why don't you say that you wish you had written more often, and that you think about him often and wonder how he's holding up....then ask him all the fun questions you've ever wanted to know about prison.

Answer 2

first off all let him know just what you have explained I think thats a beautiful thing to say,

send some poetry 'i mean some cool ****' send music lyrics' let him know whats going on in the news' on TV all that **** and let him know about you and ask him what his interest are and what he would like to know

Answer 3

Do you know his release date, that could be a starter conversation.  Tell him what you have been doing last couple of years.  Look up some good prison jokes, seriously, they made my little brother laugh when he was in prison.  Ask him if has changed any.  Watch once you start writing, it will all come to you.  And dont worry about how long its been since youve last written, believe me he will be happy to hear from you.

God bless

Answer 4

I write to my cousin in jail.  I know it is tough.  You might write about common interests.  Tv shows, cars, sports, books you are both reading...etc.  Let him know what you are up to.  Just be honest with him.  Let him know that you are not sure of what to say.  That is the best thing.

Answer 5

Well that is the exact position Me and my brother are in right now. I am going to school and he's in jail  (Again). I tried to be an influence on him but it never worked out.

If I were you i might start by saying what are you going to do when you get out.

Ask him what he did before he went to jail(like a job)

Ask when he found out he had a younger half sister.

Ask him if he ever graduated or wants to get a GED.

Ask if he ever wanted to meet people in your side of the family.

And ask to see family members on his.

If you know the release date ask if he wants to do something afterwards.

But trust me even though they are family you have to be on the look out, My brother stole my car, money and all these things in my house to get money for drugs ony a couple of hours after he was released from jail.

Good Luck.

Answer 6

You can ask ask about his health, state of mind, friends. Books he might have read or wrote, inquire about future plans if he is getting out, interest, hobbies. try to refrain from talking about trips parties, or relationships on his part but feel free to mention yours. Good Luck (you are a good sister)

Answer 7

Was he laughing for the sake of laughing or being rude?

Tell him how you are doing and what you are up to right now.    It's OK to ask him how it is going in prison though.  You want to know how he is holding up in prison.

Just watch what you write in the letter though.  Even if your brother would never do anything to you, other people might if they get hold of the letters and get out of jail.

Finally, make sure you write his name and prisoner ID number on each page in case a page goes missing while the officers are inspecting the letters.  (They will inspect letters for talk about drugs, talk about gangs or harming others, and even for drug paraphernalia itself.)

Answer 8

Well when my brother was in jail i just told him everything that has been happening in my life. you updateing him on everything. if you want to be closer to him tell him. tell him you want to start talkin more. i know that mite sound hard to do become closer because hes n jail but atleast it will give him something to look forward to (a letter showing that someone cares). wish you the best on your letter.