My daughter went crazy when I refused to give her the money from selling my farm. My older son took her side and broke my rib. Twenty minutes later, both of them regretted ever being born.

I am in a recovery program for alcoholics and gambling addicts.

And for the first time in years, I am starting to understand how sick I was.

I am not asking you to forgive me because I know that will take a long time if it ever happens.

I just wanted you to know that I deeply regret it and that when I get out of here, I am going to dedicate the rest of my life to trying to make amends for the harm I caused you.

When I finished reading the letter, I realized that for the first time since all this had started, I didn’t feel anger towards my children, I hadn’t completely forgiven them, and maybe I never would entirely, but I had found something close to peace.

Today, one year after selling the property, my life is completely different.

The Susan Hope Foundation has helped more than 50 women with their cancer treatments.

Patricia has finished her community service and has proven to be a responsible mother who is raising my grandchildren well.

Michael will get out of jail in 6 months.

And although I don’t know if we can rebuild our relationship, at least I know he is working on becoming a better person.

And I have learned something fundamental that money is not the most important thing in life, but selfrespect is.

I learned that it is okay to say no even to family.

I learned that protecting what is yours does not make you a selfish person but a strong person.

And above all, I learned that sometimes the most painful mistakes can lead you to discover who you really are and what you are capable of.

My name is Martha.

I am 65 years old and I finally learned to value myself as much as I always valued others.