My mother has been convicted of shoplifting and is serving a prison term. I am 18-years old and I have been robbed of my friend. She has been the closest person I have had in my life and I always told her everything. She does not work and my father hardly gives her money.
I miss her so much and I really understand her frustrations that led to her trying to steal. What she did was wrong but she remains my mother and I will always love her. The things people say about my mother are wrong and I want it to stop. How do I justify her actions to people? – Shamiso
Dear Shamiso
I am really proud of you for standing by your mother. Yes, as you have pointed out, a crime is a crime. But it is pretty clear your mother is a good person who would not commit such a crime if it were not for poverty.
It is sad what this economy in our country pushes innocent people to do. It is not easy to try and explain things to society. The stigma she will face after the term in prison is a burden – but I am happy that she has your support, which is very essential. The people close to her are very important in giving her the confidence to shake off the tag of a criminal.
You need to turn a deaf ear to what society is saying about your mother. Rather concentrate your energies on giving her the love that will make her strong in prison and afterwards. People forget that we are all potential criminals; some of us have just not been caught, while others are bound to commit a crime one day.
Trying to change society will be a task you may not manage, instead, focus on helping your mother not to punish herself mentally. Your mother needs to know that being a prisoner at this moment does not make her less human. – Aunty Lisa
Post published in: Lifestyle