My Happy Place: Not Being Defeated by Prison
A finalist from our Issue 21 Writing Challenge!
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Creative
I know a long time ago, I never imagined my life to be like this. I have three beautiful children ages from 4 years old to 16 years old. I’ve always been a good mum doing everything I could to provide for them, then one day I met up with a friend that I knew from years ago. It was during Covid and I unexpectedly fell in love.
I started to see this man more often. Before you know it, I was clouded by the warning signs. I couldn’t take my children with me as their father, my ex, wouldn’t allow it. Months had passed and this man was out on bail and deported from Thailand. He decided to skip court and we went on the run up north for three and a half years. I would come back for Perth to see my kids every three weeks. I’ve done so many things which I regret. But one day his luck ran out and the police found us, and he was sent to jail.
Three months later, I was arrested and now I face the harsh reality of my poor choices. But I struggled for a long time, I still do. I have done many courses and I’m determined to right my wrongs. The biggest victims are my children. They never asked for this, they are the ones impacted by my wrong doings – and for that I’m so broken. I had a community that I loved and most of all the three most amazing children – to hurt you in such a way by my absence is shameful – but I am comforted knowing that I will not only better my life, I can better it for them by promising to do better, to help my community.
Seeking help inside and outside when I feel down, I remember that I’m strong, because I have got this far. I’m worth it, my children are worth it. I went through things I could never wish on others. But it has taught me that I can see through the forest. Trees no longer block my clarity. I am a changed woman. Prison will not defeat me. I can come out of this with so much knowledge, courage and power to trail blaze my future path. I do believe I will never come back – my mind is strong.
My happy place is knowing inside my heart that I will do better for me. I’ll see the world in a different way.
I know a long time ago, I never imagined my life to be like this. I have three beautiful children ages from 4 years old to 16 years old. I’ve always been a good mum doing everything I could to provide for them, then one day I met up with a friend that I knew from years ago. It was during Covid and I unexpectedly fell in love.
I started to see this man more often. Before you know it, I was clouded by the warning signs. I couldn’t take my children with me as their father, my ex, wouldn’t allow it. Months had passed and this man was out on bail and deported from Thailand. He decided to skip court and we went on the run up north for three and a half years. I would come back for Perth to see my kids every three weeks. I’ve done so many things which I regret. But one day his luck ran out and the police found us, and he was sent to jail.
Three months later, I was arrested and now I face the harsh reality of my poor choices. But I struggled for a long time, I still do. I have done many courses and I’m determined to right my wrongs. The biggest victims are my children. They never asked for this, they are the ones impacted by my wrong doings – and for that I’m so broken. I had a community that I loved and most of all the three most amazing children – to hurt you in such a way by my absence is shameful – but I am comforted knowing that I will not only better my life, I can better it for them by promising to do better, to help my community.
Seeking help inside and outside when I feel down, I remember that I’m strong, because I have got this far. I’m worth it, my children are worth it. I went through things I could never wish on others. But it has taught me that I can see through the forest. Trees no longer block my clarity. I am a changed woman. Prison will not defeat me. I can come out of this with so much knowledge, courage and power to trail blaze my future path. I do believe I will never come back – my mind is strong.
My happy place is knowing inside my heart that I will do better for me. I’ll see the world in a different way.
You Don’t Know Your Worth
By Flame
Don't fear my love, everything’s alright. Don't fear my friends, the future looks bright.
Creative
ISSUE NO. 21
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2 MIN READ
‘Love Is Blind And It Can Make You See’
By Caleb
Love’s definition cannot be just one, not one, two or more but a tonne. Love is the greatest quality of them all, a verse written by the poet Paul.
Creative
ISSUE NO. 21
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1 MIN READ
Apocalypse of the Mind
By Emma-lee
I sit here watching the second-hand ticking by as it slowly keeps passing my time... And just as I thought the world can’t be changed it's an apocalypse of the mind.
Creative
ISSUE NO. 21
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1 MIN READ
‘Release the Devil’s Beast!’: A Childhood Battle for the Treehouse
By Oliver
“Go to the lookout. Ring the bells when they’re near the castle. I’ll prepare for battle.”
Creative