You're Not Alone: The Journey from Abduction to Empowerment

REACHING OUTWhen I needed someone, my family was incredible. Both my parents did more forme than anyone else could—they would have gone beyond any boundary for me.Another important person who really helped me was my grandfather. We wouldgo horseback riding together and talk about geography, history, religion, politics,genealogy, animals, his life experiences … anything I wanted. He was able to giveme guidance because he genuinely cared about me.Another important part of coming to terms with my abduction was my faith.Having faith has helped me to understand some of the reasons why I had togo through what I did. In my experience, having religion as a part of my life notonly helped me understand my trials better and brought me comfort, but it alsoprovided a support group for me from other members of my faith.“In the end it all it comes down to our choices.Time is always passing and we have the option tostay in the same place forever or move on. As wemove forward in our journey, life can continue tobe everything that we want, even if it is differentthan what we thought it would be. I wish you asuccessful journey filled with many good choices.Lead the kind of life that you can look back atone day and say, ‘Wow, what a life!’ ”30