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Maria Herrera |
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Dear Judge, Santa Claus is coming to town.
Holidays bring a lot of memories and song to my mind. I remember family gatherings, the family Christmas tree, preparations for New Years and most of all - the laughter, the hugs and kisses - my loved ones. Every year I pray this Christmas I will be going home, to fill the emptiness that my family has endured the last seven years.
My name is Maria Herrera. I am 26 years old now, serving a ten year cocaine conspiracy charge. I wanted to write my story and hopes that it will reach my judge - and the youngsters out there who are confused and don't know where to go in life.
I was twenty when I was arrested, and unfamiliar with law. If I would have known that 10 years of my life would be taken, I wouldn't have become involved. When you are young you want the world, and don't give much thought to circumstances. We think that we will get away with it.
The easy way will only get you far for a little while, don't give the Feds your life and hurt your loved ones for years and years. The way our drug laws work - you will get more time than a murderer or rapist.
My sister that is holding my daughter is this picture, suffers from Lupus, a disease that is robbing her life. She has had it for four years and now is on dialysis machines three times a week. My dad has cancer and my mother struggles to care for them.
I know that disasters and tragedies always happen in life, but I can do nothing to help them behind these walls. I am isolated from society and the five letter word, "sorry" won't let me go home.
I pray every night, "Lord forgive me for selling drugs and please keep my family alive so we can spend another Christmas as a family again."
Maria E. Herrera
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