The three young women who were kidnapped and ritualistically abused for years as teenagers have found the strength to speak out publicly for the first time. And what did they have to say? Essentially, thank you.
In a video published in the New York Post, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight all give moving speeches, thanking their community for their support and generosity (via the Cleveland Courage Fund), as well as the media for respecting their privacy since their escape from the home in which they were held captive by Ariel Castro.
“I may have been through hell and back," read Knight, who may have suffered hearing loss among other damage from her ordeal, "but I am strong enough to walk through hell with a smile on my face and with my head held high and with my feet firmly on the ground.”
Knight's faith is clearly helping her recover, as she and the other women insist they want to move on with their new lives rather than "be consumed by hatred.”
Their captor, 52-year-old Castro, is being held on several counts, including kidnapping and rape and aggravated murder—for ending Knight's pregnancy.
I still can't fathom the extent of torture endured by these young women. At least time is on their side. It's incredibly affirming to see signs of them rebuilding their lives, surrounded by love and faith.
Printer-friendly version