I'm going to be completely candid while I ask for your help.

Nearly a decade ago I made a very bad choice.  I decided to take some money that wasn't mine from a company that probably would have never missed it.  Thankfully I got caught, and was escorted into the judicial system.  My consequence: pay back the money and 15 years of probation.  I have heard many people say how unfair or ridiculous that is, but the fact is I was very thankful for it.  I did not lose my child and go to prison.  I was in a bad place mentally.  Trying to secure a lifestyle for my child and be able to afford to more than just rice and bread for dinner was a goal.  The absolutely wrong way to go about it is the choice I made.  

I have done my absolute best to repay my debt to society.  I have paid the owed monthly payments.  I have obeyed laws, volunteered time not ordered by the courts, and payed more money.  I went back to school full time, got a degree, worked full time, raised a child, and still payed more money.  I have been compliant and I even have a letter signed by the Governor of Florida basically saying, thanks for not being a career criminal.  And I payed more money.

I have worked very hard to right my wrong.  I have truly learned a lesson.  I finally got to a point in my life where things gained some normalcy.  Life is good.  I continued paying my money.  Unfortunately a string of unexpected health problems wreaked havoc in my home.  I was left with a choice.  Either pay bills; continue to have a roof over our head, electricity in our bulbs, and food in our bellies.  Or I could pay my owed monthly payments.  I could not do both.  I payed as much of my monthly payments as I could and hoped for the best.  

Eventually normalcy returned.  I'm back on track, life is good.  But the 2 years I had to choose still linger.  I am not able to pay twice the amount every month for two years to get caught up.  I still pay, but now it doesn't seem to be enough.  I was recently informed that there is a new judge, and if a person is behind on payments by 3 months or more their probation must be violated.  

So basically I was just told that if I don't put a dent in that $8,000 real quick I will be going to prison.  

It doesn't matter that I've done everything in my power for almost 10 years to do the right thing.  They just want their money.  I hate that I have to write these words.  I know that the choice I made then was a choice all on my own.  I made a terrible mistake and I know it's my responsibility to accept the consequences and move on.  I don't think that sending me to prison will benefit anyone anywhere.  It will only destroy the life I have worked SO hard to make for my family.  

I am reaching out to ask for help.  We are all human.  Everyone makes mistakes.  I'm asking you to remember a time when you made a huge mistake and someone gave you a helping hand to come out the other side a stronger, wiser person.  I am asking you to realize that I truly am sorry I ever did what I did.  I am also asking you to help keep me out of prison; the circumstances here do not warrant such an end.  I'm asking you to open your hearts and help a mother who desperately needs your help right now.  Even if all you can do is 'Share' this post, that in itself is a help. Thank you in advance.