Dear S,
I know you’ll never read this, as a matter of fact I’m sure you’ve never read a blog post in your entire life, but I’m not writing this for you. I’m writing this for me! I’m writing this for all of the men and women who are afraid to speak out against their attackers! People often ask “Why do girls stay silent? Why do girls not run to the cops and tell them they’ve been attacked?” The answer is different for everyone, and unless you have been a victim yourself, you have no right to ask such questions! I didn’t, and part of it was because I was scared, but the biggest part of all was that I was ashamed! That’s right, you raped me and I felt ashamed! How messed up is that?! You took a bright, vibrant, romantic young woman & turned her into a scared, mortified, and dull little girl. I didn’t think love existed for me after what you did, and not only did I believe that love didn’t exist for me, I believed I wasn’t worthy of it.
After all of this time I decided that I would no longer remain silent and I have shared my story. I look back now, and there were so many red flags. Like the bottle of wine, you told me you were in rehab, why would you be pouring us wine? I was so damn naïve, but I digress, this is still 120% your fault! After 9 years, I want to thank you! That’s right, thank you… not for what you did to me, but what you did for me! You drove me into the arms of a man who realizes my beauty and worth more than I do. You drove me into the arms of a man who helped restore my faith in love and brought out the hopeless romantic in me that’s always been there. You drove me into the arms of a man who made me realize I don’t have to live in fear! So thank you. You can threaten, stalk, and tell me you love me all you want. (Although, I wouldn’t advise it. I’m pretty sure there would be nothing left of you if you tried something like that today!) You may have taken away my innocence, you may have ruined “Patience” by Guns and Roses for me, and you may have even made me a little more paranoid when I’m by myself at night, but you will NEVER take away my spirit, you will never drag me down to your level, and you will never completely break me! You will never be anything more than a coward, but me… oh, I’m already stronger than that girl you took advantage of 9 years ago and the light in her that you dulled is shining brighter than it ever has!
After everything you’ve put me through, the humiliation, the grief, the pain, the torture that not only you inflicted, but the mental torture I put myself through, the emotional turmoil, the guilt, the sadness, the feeling of constantly being afraid, all of it…. I forgive you. I don’t forgive you for your sake; it’s for mine, because it’s who I am. The anger I carried inside of me for years is gone, but it’s not forgotten. I still get flashbacks every now and then, but it’s not as intense, because now I have a man who not only would never hurt me, but consoles me whenever I need it. Despite everything S, I don’t wish ill of you, in fact; I hope you succeed. I hope that you turn your life around and make something of yourself instead of living whatever kind of life you’re currently living, because at the end of the day my compassion for people greatly outweighs the hatred I once felt for you.
I have finally gotten the girl that is full of hopes and dreams back, and now that I have her I am never letting you or anyone else steal her away, ever again!
Kristian
Kristian, this….this is amazing. I can’t even explain to you how happy I am that you are able to let go and share your story like this. Incredible!
Would you mind if I reblog this?
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I would be honored to have you reblog this! Thank you!
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Awesome, thanks
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Reblogged this on bookmarkchronicles and commented:
An incredible letter, this needs to be read.
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Wow! You are a sweet, intelligent lady. I am so proud of the woman you have become. I am proud to call you family! ! I love you sweetie!! Big Hugs from your cuz Michele!
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LOVE. There are not enough likes in the world for this post. Congratulations. I’m so proud of you for finding the courage to post this.
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Thank you! That means a lot!
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It took me ten years before I was able to talk about being raped, and finally telling people about it was one of the biggest steps in my recovery process. I know exactly how it feels.
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Reblogged this on The Patchwork Diaries and commented:
This is what courage looks like.
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Wow! How powerful, brave and strong! Good on you!
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Thank you!
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Reblogged this on The Melodramatic Confessions of Carla Louise.
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I just happened to run into your blog while browsing. As a father to a daughter that’s probably close to your age it really spoke to me. Your courage, belief in love and belief in yourself is truly inspiring. God bless.
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Thank you! That means a lot me!
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a touching post that teaches us that – the appreciation and enjoyment of what hasn’t happened is determined by how we deal with what has happened. it’s not your bravery i commend, but the strength of your mind – for its ability to walk from a situation that becomes a crippling crutch for many. i am glad i read this. much happiness and God’s blessings to you and your man.
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Thank you so much!
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no, thank you. you taught me a new form of positivity with your post.
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Praise God.. I am glad you are strong but most of all you are whole again.. I’m glad you found true love and you feel safe with him.. God bless you..
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Thank you!
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Rape is worse than murder, it takes the right people to help the victims strong again….I appreciate the man that has brought you out of guilt, and more appreciation to your boldness to let the world know that u a survivor. I love this revelation. God is your strength.
I wrote on rape culture, you might want to check that out via my blog.
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I will definitely check it out! Thank you for your kind words.
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U are much welcome
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Pingback: My Picks Of The Week #39 | A Momma's View
There’s nothing as liberating as setting ourselves free. Solid post.
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Thank you!
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You are amazing, Kristian! Thank you, thank you, thank you. You know my story – And I can identify with several points you made. Regardless, you wrote this for you! I’m so proud of you!!
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Thank you, Laura Beth!! Hugs!!
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This is incredible, Kristian! I am so proud of you. And so so happy for you and your man. I wish everyone gets someone like your man. And that everyone is strong like you. I am so happy that you have reached a point where your belief is back. It saddens me what every woman once have gone through or will through something like this in varying degrees. But getting out of it is what matters. Keep your head high and that smile bright. 🙂 xx
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Thank you so much!
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Reblogged this on Forever In Reverie and commented:
❤
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Bravo Kristian. The emotional turmoil that S threw you into is a real, palpable thing. It is maddening and when you don’t want to speak about what caused it, it really pushes people–your would-be support system–away. That you overcame that darkness, have found freedom and contentment, and can forgive S, is such a testament to the power of love. I just wrote about a similar experience nearly twelve years after the fact and know how long the process of reconciliation can be. God bless you!
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Thank you!!
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