tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post5924380720495745158..comments2023-04-11T08:14:29.784-07:00Comments on Watchkeep : This is my storyAmy Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09238444710658478191noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-77016279172801770662012-10-10T20:41:11.371-07:002012-10-10T20:41:11.371-07:00Many might say that a religious organization which...Many might say that a religious organization which causes parents to turn their backs on their own children is a religious organization with cult-like qualities.<br /><br />My sympathies, Amy. And many thanks for your work.Christa Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04560409585720043015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-80099643275635002802012-10-03T16:03:08.867-07:002012-10-03T16:03:08.867-07:00Hi Amy,
Congratulations for standing up for what...Hi Amy, <br /><br />Congratulations for standing up for what you believe in. I believe that the only reason people like Langworthy and Jerry Sandusky get convicted is because for over twenty years SNAP has kept the fire under the people who cover for the perpetrators. I am truly sorry for your parents' attitude but I'm really not surprised. I was sexually abused by a male babysitter in 1964 when I was eleven years old. I was severely traumatized and have had nightmares ever since. I didn't even have the words to describe what he did to me. Even saying the word sex was forbidden in 1964. I never told my mother until 1991. My father was in a nursing home and very ill. My elderly mother was shocked and asked me why I didn't tell her back then. She said that she would have put a stop to it. I told her that you say that now with people starting to talk about child sexual abuse on TV; but it was 1964. We lived in a "Leave It to Beaver" world. I asked her what she would have done back then? She thought for a minute, and told me that it was a different time and would probably have told me to keep quiet so the kids at school wouldn't call me names. I don't think I have to spell out the names I would have been called and most likely have gotten beat up. I found out later why she accepted my statement in 1991. My older brother was abused by my uncle in the 1950's. Noone ever discussed that. All I ever knew was that I was not allowed to visit my uncle without my parents around. He and his wife even adopted two boys later on. I hope that your courage to defy your parents and the pending trial will persuade more of Langworthy's victims to come forward. Maybe others will finally persuade your parents to finally admit what they may have suspected for years and not believe that such a "nice guy" would do such terrible things. Here in central Pennsylvania, there are still people who don't believe that "good old Joe Paterno" knew anything about Sandusky. I just shake my head. Keep up the good work and never give up. BTW, ironically, in 1968, when I was 15, I decided to become a priest. I just knew that God's representatives on Earth would never harm me and after I graduated from Catholic high school, I went off to the seminary. I had a very rude awakening. But that's another story. <br /><br />Paul Hearn<br />Central PA SNAP <br /><br /><br /><br /> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12252729072178163920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-32906743418137369892012-10-01T16:10:31.777-07:002012-10-01T16:10:31.777-07:00Amy
I wish that I had the courage that you have. ...Amy<br /><br />I wish that I had the courage that you have. Had I only come forward about the abuse that I'm sure my own perp was still doing to others - some kids might have escaped. Thank you for being a beacon on the hill and shining the light of truth. I can't imagine how hard it must have been to be rejected by your parents and then still make the right choice. The choice to shine the light of truth on a severe problem. Unfortunately the kids who escaped being victimized because of your actions will never know that it is you that they have to thank for saving their souls. Instead, I would like to thank you on behalf of the unknown victims who you set free.Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00500182564247482661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-34674130070564560502012-09-28T16:46:34.217-07:002012-09-28T16:46:34.217-07:00 Hi Amy,
I honor your courage in speaking t... Hi Amy,<br /> I honor your courage in speaking truth to power. I honor your courage for consistent and constant work on behalf of survivors and the protection of children. I honor your courage in holding strong with your convictions in the face of opposition from those closest to you.<br /> You inspire all be standing tall and bringing light to the world.<br /> Tim Lennon<br /><br /> Friday, September 28, 2012<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09142393958585858198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-54776800612935648182012-09-28T16:06:56.892-07:002012-09-28T16:06:56.892-07:00Dear Amy, Thank you so much for not only being a v...Dear Amy, Thank you so much for not only being a voice for the victims of the past, but a real advocate for the children here now and in the future. This world needs all adults to act as you have and defend the future leaders of our world. How can we expect our future to be better if we don't correct the past. You are amazing and I am truly sorry that your parents don't see what a fantastic daughter they have. As a parent of a victim, you have my utmost respect.Mary Ellen Krugerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00722890688638582608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-58511338414222556982012-09-28T15:38:45.833-07:002012-09-28T15:38:45.833-07:00Amy,
I am so inspired by your courage and saddened...Amy,<br />I am so inspired by your courage and saddened by the price you had to pay. It just isn't fair. Yet you write, "I would do it all again." That is the most inspirational message for me.<br /> I hope you take all the words above and carry them in your heart---for it is true, you are not alone and we are all helped by your speaking out. It is so difficult when we speak the truth and are not believed. And it is more difficult when it is our family. I remember when my own mother did not believe me when I spoke of my abuse.<br /> I like your Bonhoeffer quote speaking of the wheels of injustice and you clearly live it-you have put a spoke into the wheel itself.<br /> Thank you Amy. I am proud to stand with you.<br /><br />Mary Caplan<br />SNAP New York CityMaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09145597217447952677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-54672429923410826462012-09-28T10:16:43.525-07:002012-09-28T10:16:43.525-07:00Thank you, Judy. You are a hero and an inspiration...Thank you, Judy. You are a hero and an inspiration!Amy Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09238444710658478191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-32842022845266230362012-09-28T10:15:43.073-07:002012-09-28T10:15:43.073-07:00Thank you, David. Thank you for all you have done ...Thank you, David. Thank you for all you have done and do to protect kids and support survivors.Amy Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09238444710658478191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-77797222756848555032012-09-28T10:14:04.075-07:002012-09-28T10:14:04.075-07:00Thank you, Mary Jean.Thank you, Mary Jean.Amy Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09238444710658478191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-3403232108067282122012-09-28T04:17:36.789-07:002012-09-28T04:17:36.789-07:00Amy, I applaud you for your actions to expose pred...Amy, I applaud you for your actions to expose predators and to protect children. You have paid a big price and I am so sorry for the action of your parents disowning you. So sad. Please know there are many of us that support you 100%.<br />Mary Jean McCartyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06530375323766830973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-30140095041311813182012-09-27T13:27:43.127-07:002012-09-27T13:27:43.127-07:00Amy, you are so not alone with your heartache and ...Amy, you are so not alone with your heartache and your determination to help protect kids. <br />My brother was sexually abused by our long time parish priest in southeastern Ohio. My parents could not allow themselves to believe their own son. <br /><br />I have a really hard time accepting that kind of thinking, I am a mother, grandmother, and a great grandmother now.. Their is no way that I could not believe my own kids.<br /><br />The priest who abused my brother also abused several of my relatives. He abused kids in the early 1940's. and he lived until 1991. <br /><br />This is why I got involved with SNAP, "Survivors Network of those Abuse by Priests".. I can't even imagine how many kids lives were ruined by this priest in our small town. I have learned that many folks suspected or knew about him abusing kids, yet they kept their mouths shut.<br /><br />You are extremely brave, please don't stop working to expose the truth and therefore protecting kids today. Some day your parents will know the truth, it is sad they don't accept it today.<br /><br />Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, 636-433-2511JudyJoneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620799355111141596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310476356966667906.post-89613708737495075732012-09-27T12:47:07.608-07:002012-09-27T12:47:07.608-07:00Amy-
I've heard and seen and felt a ton of h...Amy-<br /> <br />I've heard and seen and felt a ton of heartache in my nearly two dozen years with SNAP. But your parents' actions really hit me hard. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you. And I can't imagine anyone more courageous and compassionate than you.<br /> <br />You are right, of course, to praise Alex Green. But everything you said about him can, and should, be said about you too.<br /> <br />You are an inspiration, to me and to many other survivors. Thank you for your bravery and your kindness!<br /> <br />David Clohessy <br />SNAP Networkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05653706659498031093noreply@blogger.com