@B@BethRags

I am so sorry you struggled at that time. I once saw a video about a cop that actually bought the groceries some woman wanted to steal because the woman was desperate to feed her kids. That is what is called "spirit of the law," as opposed to the punitive "letter of the law." That is kindness.

Crimes of necessity happen sometimes. There is no need to beat yourself up about something you did at a time you were vulnerable. We can all learn from our mistakes. I eventually paid the school back through a donation. You do not need to do that, but if you have the means, you can make amends that way.

We all make poor choices at some points in our lives. I believe life is about learning and improving. So no matter what we covered up, we can always make amends.

There was one person in a church I attended who decided to turn himself in for a crime he was never caught doing. I forgot if it was theft or burglary or manslaughter, but he chose to serve time. The judge gave him probation, I think. It was his way of making amends.