Prison Journalism: The role my mother played in my lifeWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.
by Wesley Leong
16-05-2024 10:22
in Prison Journalism
Prison journalism
Image via Pexels
What would life be without mothers? We would not be here at all. They are the reason for our existence; they give us life. Some of us were not blessed to have a mother figure in our lives for various reasons. This is how my mother shaped me into the man I am today. May God keep you safe, and this article is for you, Mum. I love you and miss you.
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Growing Up Without a Father I lost my father due to his sudden passing when I was a young boy. My mother had to replace him; she had to do the job of both parents for five kids. I don't know how she got up every day and filled the shoes of both my dad and herself. It amazed me. I was only 15 years old at the time, and I decided to follow in her footsteps and lend a helping hand.
My Teenage Years Transformed into Adulthood My decision to assist my mother sent me toward a future of firm structure, values, morals, and lessons. If I had not learned these harshly, I would not have been able to deal with most of life's issues. I cannot relate to any fun teenage years. As I think back, I was fulfilling the role of an adult as a young boy. I had to sell drugs as a teenager to help out financially in the household.
The Most Important Lessons My Mother Taught Me My mother was a beautiful woman, especially on the inside, and with that, I grew as a person. She came from Madeira (Portugal) and had certain cultural ways of doing things. Respect is a first in everything you do. Always be honest with yourself and those around you. Look after yourself but remember to put others before you at times. Remain humble to allow yourself to learn new things. Take time every day to reflect on yourself and the day you had. Lastly, in everything you do, put God first!
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The Impact She Still Has on My Life Today Ask any woman who knows me, and they will say I am a lady's man. My mother groomed me to be a gentleman. I sometimes get told that I have alternative agendas when I treat women the way my mother brought me up. Every day, I come across things in my life that remind me of what my mother left me with.
I cherish everything she did for me!
DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received
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Should you wish to assist in the rehabilitation of former inmates and help put money into the pockets of those who have struggled to earn a living during and after incarceration, click HERE
This project in collaboration with RESTORE currently works with formerly incarcerated young men in the communities.
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Prison Journalism: The role my mother played in my lifeWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.
