Feeling quite guilty...

I am feeling so guilty...The judge gave me such a light sentence today because of my "illnesses. She even waived all the fines and fees because I am on disability. I am quite thankful that she is on the Maryland Mental Alliance board and was empathetic and kind. But I just keep feeling like I deserved such a harsher punishment. I know of many other people who were charged with less dui's than I, and they received jail time without a thought. But I was given a break (a very very big one) and I am hesitant to tell anyone in my alcohol counseling classes. It just doesn't seem fair...I feel so guilty

Dee

Do something additional to expiate your guilt if that would help -- go pick up trash from a local park on your next Saturday. Or go to confession and ask your priest to give you a creative means of penance.

(((((((((((((((((((((((Dee))))))))))))))))))))))

Take the guilt you are feeling and use it to become that wonderful person you want to be. The one that makes better choices for herself and her family. You have been given an opportunity to redeem yourself. The judge must have saw a quality in you, regardless of your disability that gave her hope that you could become a better person for what you have gone through and learned.

Things happen for a reason. I truly believe the reason is for you to be able to make a fresh start.

Do you have to be forethcoming in your alcohol counceling classes? It seems to me that you shouldn't have to say anything if you don't want to. Maybe you can tell the councelor if you see fit to, without telling the rest of the class?? If anyone asks you, you can always just say that you were very lucky and leave it at that. No need to go into details if it makes you uncomfortable.

I wish you much luck with this new lease on life. Use it to make everything count! Take good care

Hugsssss
J

((((((((((((((((( Dee ))))))))))))))))

(((((((((( Dee )))))))))

I totally agree with Saubau.

Hugs,

Jan

Hi mybest -

I was on vacation, so I just went back and read your post of everything that has been happening. You do have alot going on right now. I am an alcoholic and have heard many stories about dui's and jail time (thankfully that did not happen to me, but it's always a yet if I start drinking again).

The girl that inspired me to finally admit my alcoholism was at an AA meeting where she shared that she killed her best friend and a stranger in another car when she was drunk and driving. She almost died as well, lost her spleen, a leg, and crushed her pelvis - was in a coma for a month. She did a few years in jail and now lives with that.

However, she uses that experience to teach others and speak out so hopefully it will save another person. They were lenient on you so make sure that you do good by it. Feeling guilty will not be productive. Just make sure that it never happens again.

I don't know if your an alcoholic or in AA, but if you are, the best thing you can do is keep sharing your story to help another alcoholic not make those same mistakes.

I'm sending positive thoughts your way - stay strong

tranquility