Intertribal Life Newspaper -

I am 36 years old, incarcerated at the South Dakota Women's Prison. I am serving a 10 year sentence at 40%. I have two years left before I am released on parole.

I have lived a life of self-destruction, sin and chaos; however my life has not always been so corrupt. I was raised by my grandmother in a God-loving home, attending church at the Lakota Wesleyan chapel on the reservation. I had a good upbringing.

In my teens, I rebelled against my family and society falling into a life of drugs and alcohol. I was considered a runaway, a flight risk to any institution.

Running from my problems and the law, unfortunately became a lifestyle for me. I was making my money by selling drugs; I was a meth addict in and out of jail/prison. Meth definitely had its hold on me.

I am a mother of two beautiful children. My daughter is being raised by my grandmother. My son is the reason I am writing this letter.

My son has been through it all with me, He was even with me when I was running from the law. It breaks my heart knowing what I put him through.

But what is astonishing is the fact that he was 5 years old when he sought refuge in the Lord. He has been praying for me every since. My son prays for me to change, he prays for me to quit doing drugs and he prays for me to come home.

My grandmother is also praying for me to get my life together for the sake of my children. She has never given up on me.

I have tears in my eyes as I write this. I have let the Lord back into my life. I am doing my best to change with sobriety and spirituality guiding me.

I want nothing more than to be a better mother. I love who I am sober. Although it took prison to open up my eyes, I am thankful for the awakening. I have used this time in here to change my ways and my goal is to help others want change.

In September, I held the fist "Women Against Meth" rally here at the South Dakota Woman's Prison. I am working hard to start a meth support group for this facility.

I have God on my side and a family that prays for me. I will be coming home the mother my children deserve.

-H.S.