How can I stitch back my life?

I am a mother of two boys. I had a lovely family, my sons’ upbringing has been one rooted in love, care, and strong family values. 

During my own childhood, I was fortunate to grow up in a supportive environment with both my mother and father.

As the eldest child in a working-class family on the Mainland, I faced challenges early on. At the age of fifteen, I moved to Guangdong to work in a handbag factory. I worked diligently to support my family. When I was seventeen, I was raped by the boss. As a young and inexperienced girl, I found myself unsure of what to do next. Eventually, I made the decision to leave the factory and seek assistance from my paternal uncle, who unfortunately struggled with drug addiction.

He believed that I was unhappy and suggested that using drugs could help numb the feeling. Consequently, I started using drugs. However, after a period of time, I decided to quit using drugs and returned to work. It was at the new factory where I met my husband from Hong Kong.

We were married for three years and had a son. In 2022, I came to Hong Kong for a family reunion. Everything was going well for a while, but then an old friend from my village on the Mainland came to visit me. Unfortunately, under his influence, I started using drugs again.

Everything was going well for a while, but then an old friend from my village on the Mainland came to visit me. Unfortunately, under his influence, I started using drugs again.

My relationship with my husband deteriorated significantly, and eventually, I decided to leave home. Unfortunately, due to my addiction, I became involved in criminal activities. I was deceived by an undercover police officer who pretended to be in need of drugs. He paid me to buy drugs for him, as I had done six times before.

I was arrested at a game center on 29 October 2021.

It has been a heart-wrenching journey for our entire family. I recognize the seriousness of my mistakes and the detrimental effect they have had on my life, as well as the lives of my family and others. I am determined to reconstruct my life based on principles of sobriety, responsibility, and personal growth.

Being in detention is a deeply saddening experience. I feel a complete lack of freedom and interest here. There are times when I cry because I am separated from my family, and I miss them immensely. I am now alone, facing the difficulties of life.

My son is now 26 years old but currently unemployed. Therefore, our entire family relies solely on my husband’s support. He is working hard and also taking care of his parents in the mainland.

Now, I am determined and eager to take on the responsibilities of a responsible mother. I want to warn others not to repeat the same mistakes I made and to be cautious of bad influences and social media. It’s important not to rush into finding a job; instead, maintain a positive mindset and seek honest employment.

There are unfortunate consequences that arise from momentary lapses of judgment, often fueled by addiction and negative influences. I am hopeful that with the right support and guidance, I can overcome these challenges and once again become a positive force in society.

This is a warning against getting involved in drug trafficking. Do not trust individuals with ill intentions.

Quitting drugs is extremely difficult for me, as there are numerous side effects and withdrawal symptoms when I abstain. I encourage everyone to try their best to reject dangerous drugs. Substance abuse has detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

Note: This letter is a combination of three letters and has been edited to improve readability.