Can you imagine going to prison and leaving at home a wife and three children aged 12, 2, and 3 months? Can you imagineasking yourself the question, "Will my children ever know who I am?"  What an awful fear--wondering if your child will know that you are his father.

Can you imagine missing your child’s first steps, first words, graduation, or first dance?

Those are just a few of the many heart-wrenching concerns imprisoned U.S. border agent Jose Compean contemplates each and every day as he sits in solitary confinement-praying for the day when he will be returned to his wife and loving family.

We recently received a letter from Patty Compean, Jose's wife, and while she expressed he is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances, portions of the letter tragically

underscore the torturous sense of loss gripping the Compean family as they continue to struggle without their husband,' and daddy.

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Dear Mr. Elliott,

Thank you so much for your continued support. I must tell you that the children and I are hanging in there. Our last visit with Jose was a very good one, although I couldn’t help but wonder how our youngest, who is now 2 years old would react to Jose.

Even though he's never met Jose and has very little connection with him, I try to make sure that both our boys don't forget who their dad is. I show him pictures of his dad and constantly tell him that Jose is his dad.

When that time of the month comes for our 15-minute call, I always make certain he hears Jose's voice. I’m happy to report that my efforts seem to be blessed because during this last visit, my young son knew Jose was his dad. My heart nearly burst when he called him dad and gave him a hug. These tiny moments are the ones that we savor because unlike so many others, they are all we have right now.

This last visit was such a blessing because it was our first as a family since his incarceration, and Jose was able to spend some quality time as father to his kids.

It has been tough. Jose, the kids and I are still trying to cope with leaving him behind. I've got to admit, it doesn't get any easier. In fact, it seems to get worse with every visit because it's a cold reminder of how much time has been lost. These precious family moments can’t be returned or relived. That's the hardest part.

This truth is especially tough on Jose. When he turned himself in to authorities, our children where 12, 2 and 3 months old. Now they are 14, 4, and 2.  He's already missed the first baby steps, words, graduation from diaper to potty and my oldest son's first dance. Unless there’s a miracle, Jose will have missed a whole lot more.

But we are pressing on day by day. My goal right now is to get the family to a place where no matter what happens we will be okay. In other words, if Jose is released but can't find a job,

or if he’s forced to serve his whole sentence we will be taken care of. That's a pressing concern, but it’s also something I don't want Jose worrying about. I will make sure that I can provide for us so that he doesn't have to worry about it. It's my burden, and I'm happy to take it from him.

A few personal notes, Jose is able to shower daily since he has a shower in his "suite" and the times he's needed medical attention he's gotten it. I do know that he has several pen pals and is

receiving letters, cards, pictures and reading material from many Grassfire team members. He specifically wanted me to thank the team for their continued support and prays that it continues.

We all covet your prayers, and pin our hopes on the day when he is returned to us!

Thanks again for all you are doing to help us.

Patty

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Even though the media, and our government has largely forgotten these men, we cannot. We can never forget.

Please pass this update on to 20-30 friends urging them to get involved in bringing Nacho and Jose home by clicking below and signing our petition:

http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?u=12026&PID=14507877

Second, call the White House and urge the President to take the necessary actions to secure their immediate release--through Presidential Pardon or other means.

Contact Numbers: White House Switchboard: 202-456-1414

Thank you for standing with Grassfire for Ramos and Compean.

Steve Elliott, President

Grassfire.org

P.S: KEEP WRITING to Nacho and Jose. They rejoice in notes, cards and letters from members of our Grassfire family!

Ignacio Ramos #58079-180

FCI Phoenix

Federal Correctional Institution

37910 N. 45th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85086

Jose Compean #58080180

FCI Elkton

PO Box 10

Lisbon, OH 44432

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+ + Feedback or comments on this update?

Go to FireSociety.com and post your comments so that the Grassfire staff along with thousands of citizens can benefit from your thoughts and opinions:

http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?U=12024&RID=14507877

+ + Technical questions only:

For technical questions regarding this email, go here: (Not for comments/feedback on this update)

http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?U=12025&CID=142&RID=14507877

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