The Cleveland kidnapping survivors haven’t said a whole lot since they were rescued after approximately a decade of being held against their will, but don’t think that silence in any way reflects a lack of appreciation for the general public or law enforcement. In fact, the girls reached out today, on Mother’s Day, to offer up statements making it clear just how many warm feelings they have toward everyone who has spoken up and offered a helping hand in the past few days.
Here’s what Amanda Berry had to say, as per People…
"Thank you so much for everything you're doing and continue to do. I am so happy to be home with my family."
Here’s what Michelle Knight had to say…
"Thank you to everyone for your support and good wishes. I am healthy, happy and safe, and will reach out to family, friends and supporters in good time."
Here’s what Gina DeJesus had to say…
"I'm so happy to be home. I want to thank everyone for all your prayers. I just want time now to be with my family."
In addition to the individual statements outlined above, the girls also gave a group comment asking for some privacy and reminding everyone they can’t speak at length about what happened until after the criminal proceedings against their kidnapper, Ariel Castro, are completely finished. Obviously, there’s a ton of media attention surrounding the girls right now, which has manifested itself in cards, letters, monetary gifts and helping hands, but more than anything else, what the girls needs is to try and regain a sense of normalcy.
The kidnappings in question happened between 2002 and 2004, all in the same neighborhood of Cleveland. Residents of the city periodically searched the neighborhood for the girls and showed up in mass to let the world know they hadn’t forgotten, but until Berry was able to alert neighbors earlier this week, there hadn’t been any progress on the case for a long time.
Pop Blend’s sincerest thoughts go out to the survivors. Here’s to hoping they’re able to find their own versions of happiness.
