Speaking of being "lucky" enough to have avoided a similar situation, Lucky by Alice Sebold immediately comes to mind. I read the memoir three weeks before attending the same college as Alice-- the place where her rape took place. To my dismay (because I didn't want them to worry), my mother and grandmother read it, too.
The irony of the situation was the foreshadowing of this book. Though my own traumatic event with a man the day before I left for college wasn't the same experience, I now could relate to the violation. Alice's bravery helped me push on at a time of deep pain when I was supposed to be embarking on the "best years of my life" at the very same school. Her words (as I imagine Liz's would) stayed in the back of my mind and helped me snap out of it when I too admit to putting myself in situations that could've "gone very bad."
Regardless, this stuff still happens. Women like her continue to empower me to live a full life despite being reminded of my pain so I too can help empower other young women. I only hope that we continue to rally behind voices like Liz's and Alice's so that their words remind young women to fight for their valuable lives. Thank you for reminding us of this importance of-- like you said-- healing from within!
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Speaking of being "lucky" enough to have avoided a similar situation, Lucky by Alice Sebold immediately comes to mind. I read the memoir three weeks before attending the same college as Alice-- the place where her rape took place. To my dismay (because I didn't want them to worry), my mother and grandmother read it, too.
The irony of the situation was the foreshadowing of this book. Though my own traumatic event with a man the day before I left for college wasn't the same experience, I now could relate to the violation. Alice's bravery helped me push on at a time of deep pain when I was supposed to be embarking on the "best years of my life" at the very same school. Her words (as I imagine Liz's would) stayed in the back of my mind and helped me snap out of it when I too admit to putting myself in situations that could've "gone very bad."
Regardless, this stuff still happens. Women like her continue to empower me to live a full life despite being reminded of my pain so I too can help empower other young women. I only hope that we continue to rally behind voices like Liz's and Alice's so that their words remind young women to fight for their valuable lives. Thank you for reminding us of this importance of-- like you said-- healing from within!
June 19, 2011 - 5:51pmThis Comment
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