LaShawn, 41

…I’m stronger because I had to be. I’m smarter because of my mistakes. I’m happier because of the sadness I’ve known, and now wiser because I learned. And in the end… God always gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers! Thank you for giving us incarcerated individuals a voice.

Incarcerated: 4 years
Housed: Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, Bedford Hills, New York

I found my mother brutally murdered. Twelve years later, I was arrested and convicted of second-degree murder, for a crime I didn’t commit. There is no script to a situation of this sort. When I found her I held her. How could I not – she is my mother. Her blood ended up on my clothing.

I will admit that I am no saint and have made a number of mistakes in my life, but what I am accused of is not one of them. After finding my mother I turned to drugs and attempted to numb the visions, the smell of her blood, and the lonely emptiness of losing my best friend.

I am in constant contact with my two children, a few family members, friends and pen pals, all who support and believe in me. I am in the fight of my life for my life! The struggle is real, but I believe that someone will learn of my story and help me attain my freedom. In sharing my story it not only gives me a sense of relief but also I hope that someone might see the injustices that have been brought against me and together we can correct them. The past is a dead-end street. I have learned to move on, to keep fighting and embrace tomorrow.

I’m stronger because I had to be. I’m smarter because of my mistakes. I’m happier because of the sadness I’ve known, and now wiser because I learned. And in the end… God always gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers! Thank you for giving us incarcerated individuals a voice.

A mother and child have a connection
That surpasses any and all relationships
One may encounter
A mother nurtures, strengthens and
Supports her child in any given
Situation
My mother was my Rock, my light
My Angel and above all else
My BEST FRIEND
Our bond was one that was envied
By many
You talk about thick as Thieves – that was us
I am strong, courageous, smart,
Hard-working, a mother of two
And a loving person because of
My mother
She gave me life
She gave me her all
There is not a chance that I could take something so precious
Away from myself
God knows and most
Importantly my mother knows the truth,
this is…
Not my crime! 📸 Dr. T’s