DemocraSay

In response to Struggle and Success.

My friend was a victim of sexual abuse. She hid it from the world, and I think she even managed to hide it from herself. She buried her secret for over 8 years. Finally, one day she picked up the phone and said: "You're my closest friend and I need your help. I was molested and I don't know how to deal with it." We cried for hours over the phone. The next day, I saw her and hugged her. There was a slight awkwardness at fist, because I didn't know what to say, but one look at her disheveled frame and I knew that she wouldn't be able to withstand my behavior, if I continued like I was. I suggested that she see a psychologist, and everyday she would tell me how frustrated she was with that woman's questions. Eventually, she was able to deal with what happened to her and move on.
A few years later, she met her attacker at her cousin's wedding. It was easier to avoid someone when he wasn't related to you, but she had no such luck. He tried to talk to her as if he had never done anything wrong. As she recounted that horrible encounter, I felt sick to my stomach. How could she have stood there and stand the sight of him? I couldn't understand. Had I been his victim, I would have been angry and lunging towards him. She looked at me and said:"I forgive him. By harboring all this hatred and pain, I'm giving him more power over my life. He has taken enough from me."
I had never admired her more. I couldn't understand how she could. I thought she was the bravest person in the world. I now know that she had to face him and get closure. Through biggest struggle and shame(if you will), she found success in finding a strength in her, she never knew she had. She let go of the past, to build her future, and that is the greatest success of all.