Easter Egg Hunt Behind Bars - WCAX video

April 10, 2012

Easter Egg Hunt Behind Bars – WCAX video

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SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – By Matt Henson

It was a special moment in her life that Tricia Guyette was afraid she would never get to see after being convicted for her role in Burlington stabbing. Her one year old son Cameron’s first Easter egg hunt.”I wasn’t sure if he was going to know what he was supposed to do, he ran for everything he could possibly find,” she said.But this egg hunt was not held at a local park or church. It took place in the recreational yard at the state’s women’s prison in South Burlington.”It’s nice because I’m here and it’s nice to be able to spend this day with them since I wont be with them on Easter,” said prison inmate Melissa Langone.”Because I love her and miss her,” said Matteao Morrell when asked why he came to see his mom for the egg hunt.The event allowed mothers to spend quality time with their children this holiday weekend. More then a dozen children of all ages raced to scoop up 200 Easter eggs filled with candy, including Latonia Congress’ three children and niece. The Essex Junction woman is serving time for the murder of another niece.

“I’ve been in here since 2009. And this is our first time to come outside and run around together, so to me I’m very appreciative and thankful and thank God,” she said.

“I think it’s just a great opportunity to spend time with her and have fun,” said her niece.

The Easter egg hunt was put on by Kids-A-Part. It is a program offered by the Lund Family Center to reduce the impact of parental incarceration on children.

“It supports their emotional health, their well being, it gives them a sense of normalcy. Having your mom in prison does make you different. And this is something where they get to be doing just a regular family activity,” said Jess Kell with Kids-A-Part.

Tricia Guyette says she is thankful for the time she got to spend with her son this Easter and is already looking forward to next year.

“Next year I’ll be home with him, so it will be a lot easier,” she said.

A promise from a mother who spent this Easter behind bars.

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