A former prison guard from Mississippi loses her job for caring for an inmate’s newborn, and her perspective

Roberta Bell’s journey is a moving exampl

influence that one person can have when motivated by empathy. Roberta, a 58-year-old mother of five and grandma of eight who resides in the charming city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, is regarded by many as a hero. Her life took an unexpected turn this year, showing the world the power of love and bravery to transform lives.

Roberta met pregnant convict Katie Bourgeois, who was almost out of prison, while she was a correctional officer at the Louisiana Transitional Center for Women. Katie was in a terrible predicament because she had no relatives to support her after her kid was born. Roberta took the crucial choice to take care of the baby until Katie could return home while Katie was unable to do so.

There were, however, repercussions to this choice. Roberta was sacked from her job at the correctional facility after her supervisor saw a conflict of interest in her conduct. For Roberta, though, it was a minimal cost. Kayson, Katie’s son, was born just over a week after she lost her job. Roberta had been looking forward to his visit to the hospital. She brought him home, clothed him tenderly, and held him in her arms, showing him the tenderness and love of a mother.

Kayson was under Roberta’s care for two months before Katie was able to see her son again. Even though Roberta was going through a difficult time personally, her compassion and selflessness were evident when she said goodbye to the infant to whom she had been so close. Millions of people were moved by her heartfelt and real narrative of generosity, which struck a chord with people everywhere.

Donations poured in from people moved by her story; diapers, formula, and other necessities arrived. Numerous kind presents from strangers adorned Roberta’s living room. Even more astonishingly, their contributions added up to an incredible $90,000. Even though she was unemployed, Roberta kept giving back, using some of the money she was given to assist a fellow pregnant prisoner who was having financial difficulties.

That was not the end of Roberta’s quest. Rather, it opened a new chapter in her life. Since then, she has started a new project that she is very enthusiastic about called The Serenity House. The Serenity House, which is situated in the serene Mississippi countryside, is being renovated to serve as a haven for women reintegrating into society after serving time in jail. Roberta is committed to giving these women a place where they can find direction, support, and a feeling of belonging, just as much as she had loved her job at the prison.

Roberta gladly answers every call that comes in asking for her assistance; her phone is always vibrating. Her experience is a prime illustration of how one individual, driven by compassion, understanding, and a steadfast faith in second chances, may significantly impact the lives of others.

I RETURNED HOME TO FIND MY FURNITURE ON THE CURB — MY EX’S REVENGE WAS A TOTAL FLOP

When Gina and her husband Brendan decided to separate, she took a break from the drama by staying with her parents for the weekend. But when she came back home, she was shocked to find all her things spread out on the lawn.

To her surprise, Gina discovered a valuable item that belonged to Brendan among the scattered items. This turn of events gave her a chance for some well-deserved revenge.

After deciding to split up, Brendan changed completely. The man she had shared her life with was now replaced by someone who was bitter and resentful.

Midjourney

“You’re complaining about how I act? How I talk?” Brendan shouted.

“I’m just saying you need to calm down. Yelling won’t help you get your point across,” I said, holding my head.

“Oh, come on, Gina,” he yelled even louder. “You made me this way! With all your demands and constant complaints. Just go live your life.”

Midjourney

So, I did.

As the divorce moved forward, Brendan and I tried to organize our things and make a clean break.

“Just let me pack up these items, Gina,” Brendan said one day, rummaging through my bookshelf.

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“You’ll just end up taking my things with you,” I replied. “I need to sort out my own stuff first.”

“Fine,” he said.

Midjourney

But things only got worse. The emotional stress left me feeling constantly nauseous and uneasy. So, I decided to spend the weekend at my parents’ house to clear my head.

“Yeah, run away to your parents,” Brendan sneered as I packed an overnight bag.

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“They’re better than you,” I said, walking out the door.

Midjourney

And honestly? It was the right choice. I needed space to process everything, especially the fact that I was going to be on my own for the first time in twelve years. Even though Brendan and I needed to be apart, I couldn’t see my future clearly.

I also just wanted my parents to take care of me for the weekend.

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“Oh, Gina,” my mother said as she took out a tray of delicious roast lamb. “All you need to do is eat and rest. Whatever you want to eat, just tell me and I’ll make it. And if you need anything from the store, just tell Dad. He’ll make a quick run for you.”

Midjourney

I took a deep breath. I was exactly where I needed to be.

“Are you sure a divorce is the right choice?” my father asked me during dinner.

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“Yes,” I said with a heavy heart. “If there was ever a chance for us to fix things, it was a long time ago. We’ve missed that chance. Brendan and I just don’t see things the same way anymore. I don’t think there’s any love left between us.”

Midjourney

“You do what you need to do, honey,” my mother said. “If your mental health is telling you that you need a fresh start, then that’s what you should go for.”

I took her advice to heart and spent my time taking long walks with Pippy, my parents’ dog. I needed to clear my head and give myself the space to breathe.

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“You’re making the right choice,” I reassured myself. “There’s nothing wrong with starting over.”

Midjourney

When I got home on Monday morning, expecting to find Brendan and his things gone, I was met with a shock.

My entire collection of furniture, from before and during our marriage, was spread all over the lawn. A huge hand-painted sign that said “Free Stuff!” was proudly displayed, inviting anyone passing by to take whatever they wanted.

Midjourney

“What on earth is this?” I muttered, slamming the car door.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. My coffee table, the flea market couch, and even my grandmother’s old rocking chair were all out on the lawn, baking in the sun and waiting to be taken by anyone who passed by.

I kicked the sign down so it lay flat and pulled out my phone, my hands shaking as I dialed Brendan. After three rings, he finally answered.

Midjourney

“Hey, what’s up, Gina?” he answered, sounding casual, almost smug.

“What’s up?” I echoed. “What’s up?”

“Yeah, that’s what I asked,” he said.

“Are you kidding me? Why is all my furniture on the lawn? Are you absolutely out of your mind?”

There was a pause before he replied.

Midjourney

“You were going to sue for all my money anyway,” he said. “I heard you on the phone with someone. I know you wanted everything, or at least half of it! So you might as well know how it feels to lose what’s yours.”

I was speechless.

Sure, I had thought about taking him for a ride and getting my share of his money, but the weekend away with my parents had taught me to let it go.

Midjourney

“You’re absolutely unbelievable,” I finally managed to say. “You think this is going to solve anything? You’re just making things worse for yourself.”

He scoffed loudly.

“Whatever. It’s your problem now. Maybe you should charge people for your things instead of letting them take it for free.”

I wanted to scream, but I knew it wouldn’t help. Brendan had made up his mind, and like any dog with a bone, there was no reasoning with him.

I crouched down and opened the drawer, where I found a small, velvet pouch. As I opened it, my heart raced. Inside was a stunning gold necklace with a large diamond pendant—one that Brendan had always bragged about but claimed was lost.

I couldn’t believe my luck. Brendan’s petty move had actually handed me a priceless item. I smiled despite everything.

I took a deep breath, feeling a spark of satisfaction. This necklace, once a symbol of Brendan’s arrogance, was now mine. I packed it away carefully, deciding it would be my little piece of revenge.

Seeing the family heirloom tucked away in the drawer, a smirk crept onto my face despite my anger. Brendan’s father’s watch, a cherished piece that he rarely wore, was now in my hands.

“Stupid Brendan,” I muttered under my breath. He’d clearly overlooked this valuable item in his hasty revenge.

I carefully wrapped the watch and tucked it into my bag alongside the necklace. As much as the whole situation had been frustrating, it felt good to have something of value—something Brendan truly cared about—as a small victory in this mess.

As I slipped Brendan’s watch into my pocket, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph. “Checkmate,” I said to myself, a small smile on my face. He had left it out there for anyone to take, and I wasn’t about to let this opportunity go to waste.

Next, I quickly texted my friends, asking for help to move everything back into the house. Their support would be crucial in getting my belongings back inside safely.

“Brendan is the worst, Gina,” my friend Jenny said, carrying a lamp. “This is a new low.”

“Yeah, I agree with you there,” I replied. “But don’t worry, I’ve got a way to get back at him.”

I explained to Jenny about the watch and how I had it safely tucked away in my car. I was sure Brendan would eventually notice it was missing, and I was ready to use it as a bargaining chip.

Midjourney

“Look, the neighbors came over and took a few things. The bedside tables are gone too. But if you’re polite enough, I’m sure Cathy will sell them back to you.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line.

“Gina, it’s my dad’s watch. My granddad’s watch. I really need it back.”

I let the silence stretch for a moment before responding.

“I see. Well, like I said, it’s with Cathy. But I’m sure she’ll be reasonable. You know, for the right price.”

I nodded and said, “Thanks. You can leave now.”

“I’ll get in touch with you about the divorce. My lawyer has some things to discuss with us,” he replied.

“Cool,” I said simply.

Brendan did a double-take, then took the watch from me and walked away slowly, as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.

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