Cleveland kidnapping victims Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight came together to create a video of gratitude just months after being rescued from where they were held in captivity for over 10 years.
“First and foremost, I want everyone to know how happy I am to be home with my family my and friends,” 27-year-old Amanda Berry says at the start of the video. “It’s been unbelievable. It has been a blessing to have such an outpouring of love and kindness, I’m getting stronger each day and having my privacy has helped immensely. I ask that everyone continue to respect our privacy and give us time to have a normal life.”
24-year-old Gina DeJesus gave a big “thank you” to everyone who has raised money to help the girls. Her parents Felix DeJesus and Nancy Ruiz also expressed their gratitude. Nancy also issued some advice to parents who may have a missing child: “Count on your neighbors. Don’t be afraid to ask for their help, because help is available.”
32-year-old Michelle Knight had been in captivity for the longest, starting in 2002, but she wants everyone to know that she’s doing well and isn’t letting this horrific experience ruin her life.
“I may have been through hell and back, but I am strong enough to walk through hell with a smile on my face and my head held high and my feet firmly on the ground. Walking hand in hand with my best friend, I will not let the situations define who I am.” Knight declared. “I will define the situation.”
“I don’t want to be consumed by hatred,” she added. “With that being said, we need to take a leap of faith and know that God is in control. We have been hurt by people, but we need to rely on god as being the judge. I am in control of my own destiny, with the guidance of God.”
Michelle has definitely overcome a lot. Her grandmother Deborah Knight has revealed that she was beaten so badly during her time in captivity that she had to have her face reconstructed, and has lost hearing in one of her ears.
