Edward Zapatka, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

I was ten years old at home with my younger siblings, taking care of them, waiting for our mother to arrive home. She often times came home very late but that night I felt something was wrong. A police man and my aunt knocked on our door, I was hesitant to answer but since the police officer was with family, I opened the door. My heart fell to the floor as they told me my mother had been arrested. I was very angry and persistent to know what had happened, I was told to not ask questions and pack our things. We had gone to stay with our aunt for the night. She was not able to take care of us, we ended up going to random home. Here in this home we were questioned about our lives, I told only bits and pieces in order to protect my mother. I was young but I did understand what would lead to more trouble or not. We would sit at this table with random adults as they questioned each one of us children about our past. We were given food, clothes and a home to stay in. I never felt so fancy in my life. Everything was set up so perfectly. I learned how to be a lady here. Yet even though comfortable to an extent, everything there felt forbidden and not ours. It was very difficult going back to school after this. Everyone in our small town knew what had happened. After a long while our grandmother offered to take us in so we could maintain going to the same school. We stayed with our grandmother for some time until my mother was released from jail. When my mother was released we had to rebuild our relationship again. I did not trust anyone based off the circumstances that have taken place. I also now knew everything that happened I just did not understand why it happened to us. My mother tried very hard to gain us children’s trust back by attempting to become a better version of herself. I forgave my mother as she became better and healthy. She quit abusing substances and joined recovery programs, meanwhile showing up to court. She was a felon for most of our lives which made it difficult for her to maintain a well paying job. We got by as best as we could and once I was of age to get a job, I helped my family financially as best as I could. I always wondered what I would be like if I came from a different life, but I know these events shaped me into the woman I am today.