“My mugger sent me an apology” by Philippa P.B. Hughes

Philippa Hughes is the founder of the Pink Line Project and one of DC’s most influential local arts supporters. I happened to see the following note on her Facebook page, and with her permission, would like to repost it here. She writes:

Someone tried to mug me last October. It happened in the middle of the day just a few blocks from my home. It was really traumatic, though I joked about it at the time. Afterward, I constantly looked over my shoulder when walking around my own neighborhood and was spooked if anyone came up behind me suddenly. Lucky for me, the guy got caught and spent time in jail, but it still took some time for me to shake the feeling of vulnerability. Receiving this apology letter from the mugger has helped me feel hopeful again. Here’s the letter:

“I am writing this letter to let you know that I apologize for what I did. I am truly sorry, I can imagine the pain and trauma I have caused in your life. You have every reason to have negative feelings towards me and to want to see me incarcerated. I am not the type of person that does stuff like that; I am a very likable and unique person with a good heart. I was at a down point in my life when I made the mistake of mugging you but that is still no excuse. I have made myself look like something I’m not. I am very disappointed in myself and embarrassed. While I was incarcerated I thought about what I did every day and that is something I have to live with for the rest of my life. I have suffered a lot while I was in jail and I changed a lot. I know you don’t want to even hear from me but I hope you can take me into consideration and hopefully one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me. And I thank you for taking time out of your day to read this letter. God bless you.”