My True Sentence

The following was sent to us via the "Tell Us Your Story" form and posted with the users permission.

By Guilty:
In 1996 I committed the crime of first degree rape of a child.

I was offered a plea and sentenced to 147 months. With good behavior I got out a after 10 years and 9 months.

While in prison I completed the Sex Offender Treatment Program and even six years after my parole, I see a therapist weekly.

Yes I paid my "Debt to society". But I have been troubled with severe depression and recently realized that life in prison, or even death can't spare me my true sentenced. Guilt...

I, rightly so, feel the weight of my actions when I think about the child I hurt, his mother, our families and friends. Actions of this nature affect an entire community.

I can't look at myself in the mirror some days, not wanting to see my mugshot starting back at me. I feel as though my sentence should have been worse. I was released from my prison, but my victim and his family don't get that opportunity. They live day in and day out in the prison labeled "Victim". Where is the justice in that?

I'm not looking for sympathy, I earned my punishment and worse. This was something I have just realized and wanted to share.

Guilty