My Addiction Got The Best Of Me, And I'm Sorry

People of Valley County,

When I was charged with felony drug distribution, I believed I was the victim. After all, I was a mother trying to support my family and hold my family together the best I could at the time. Through it all, my addiction got the best of me. I rationalized selling drugs by telling myself I wasn't hurting anybody, that they were adults who could make their own choices.

I knew I was in the wrong, yet I blamed everyone else but the person responsible ... me.

It's taken me three years and ending up in prison to wrap my mind around the poor choices I made and the path of destruction I was on. The people I hurt along the way is endless, and it hurts my heart to know how selfish I was. My heart is also shattered over the loss of my own family and how my children continue to suffer because of my addiction.

It has taken me a lot of trial and error to learn what to accept and what to change, it's a constant everyday battle. I'm nowhere near perfect, but I can say that I am now a better and healthier woman. I know I can't take back things that I've already done or said, but I want to let the people of Valley County to know how sorry I truly am, and how heavy my sincerity is.

Thank you all for your time and God bless.

Jennifer Birkoski

Billings