Erica Harris

Jan 16, 2025 | prisonjournalismproject.org | Erica Harris

Upon leaving prison, some people choose to enrich their lives through parenthood. But those reentering society who are lucky enough to bring new children into the world are almost exclusively men. For women, particularly those facing long-term sentences, the odds of bearing children after prison are much lower. I was a 25-year-old mother of one child when I was sentenced to 20 to 45 years in prison. It was always a dream of mine to have a larger family, and to give my daughter a sibling.

Sep 3, 2024 | additudemag.com | Erica Harris

I am wildly creative, surprisingly good with a paintbrush, and skilled with words. I know how to make jewelry, soap, candles, and pretty paper. I know how to put together elaborate floral displays and decorate cakes. I can research like an analyst and draft essays like an academic. I know how to make proper barista coffee, complete with foamy milk hearts, and I can pour a mean tap beer. I can change brake pads on Volvos, paint houses perfectly, as well as clean them like I have OCD.

Jul 18, 2024 | additudemag.com | Erica Harris

When I was diagnosed with ADHD and dyscalculia at age 38, I wept for 10-year-old me. For the little girl who could not make sense of numbers, whose legs would shake and voice tremble when forced to stand and recite multiplication tables. When I fumbled, my teacher would smack the chalkboard and shout “Wrong again!” as the class erupted in laughter. “Stupid, dumb me.” I whispered to myself as I retreated.

Mar 19, 2024 | additudemag.com | Erica Harris

In 2020, my son was born prematurely, weighing a tiny 600 grams, or a little over a pound. He was what they call a micropreemie. I had never seen a premature baby before, but there he was, so tiny he fit in the palm of my hand. Upon his birth, I was suddenly flung into the world of neonatal intensive care. The trauma of an early birth is incredibly extreme. It’s being thrust onto a high-speed, rickety roller coaster with dangerous ups and downs. My baby was tiny, but he was breathing.

Jul 14, 2023 | mamamia.com.au | Erica Harris

To our beautiful son,Sometimes life feels really small, just us three in this bubble filled with wonder and pain, joy and grief, safety and PTSD. The ebbs and flows of trauma swirl around us, turning us upside down, tumbling, rolling and moving us against our will. Sometimes, the tide roars in, violent and looming and we are drawn out into the deep, submerged beneath the blue, silent pressure, as we remember everything that you (and we) have been through.