I Would Like You to Know My Name

Comments

206

I'm sorry. This may have already been touched on ... But do you believe in the death penalty? This guy is going to get a life cared for .. in a cage, but free to think and pursue anything he wants for life...? To the tune of some $500,000 or more on the backs of taxpayers. ?? Just curious. imo, There should be some sort of extra verifiable proof method .. and then .. wah-lah! And in this case it's as obvious as the surviving victim knowing that he was in fact the rapist/murderer .. and probably an offender of all sorts his whole life. He's no random thug that turned crazy .. Disagree? I'd like to hear it.

helibike on August 12, 2011 at 10:50 PM

207

I wanted tio share this poem with you, it gives me so much comfort. I am proud of you for just getting through all this, and hope you find some small measure of comfort in the words of this beautiful poem.

marieange on August 12, 2011 at 10:52 PM

208

helibike on August 12, 2011 at 10:55 PM

209

Thank you for writing this. It was incredibly moving and gave me a feeling of peace I didn't know I was missing until reading it. It made me cry, partially in relief, when all other articles about your attack left me both jittery and devastated.

I have been reading all of Eli's articles about this by myself. I've only shared the existence of the crime with my partner, none of the soul wrenching details. I've been trying, in some strange way, to protect my own little family, frightfully similar to yours and Teresa's. I've also been trying to reassure myself that something like this couldn't happen to us, so I don't need to share it with the my partner. However what you wrote was too beautiful not to share, and puts all of my rationalizations to grinding shame. You are amazing and an inspiration in all sorts of ways.

reka on August 13, 2011 at 12:35 AM

210

Jennifer, you may not feel like a hero, but this world would be a much better place if we all exemplified the grace, compassion and strength that you have in your words here and in your reactions to this horrific ordeal. You are an inspiration.

Much love and peace to you, my dear.

on August 13, 2011 at 1:28 AM

212

thank you.

on August 13, 2011 at 3:48 AM

213

Jen
I lock my windows everynight now. I kiss my kids
extra, I give whatever extra energy I have in thought
to you each day. What a journey you are on. I am trying
to grasp your abilities, to be forgiving, to be moving ahead.
I always knew you were destined for a full life. I am
devestated you lost a love and were caused so much
pain. We talk about you a lot. Like a touchstone reminding
us of all things healing and hopeful.

on August 13, 2011 at 3:59 AM

214

Love you Jen.

M.DeLance on August 13, 2011 at 6:31 AM

215

You are on your way, Jen! You are brave - it takes an act of courage to share your story and you have done it beautifully.
Although I have never met you, I have thought of you many times over the last few years, wishing you strength and healing.
Jan

on August 13, 2011 at 8:49 AM

217

Dear Jennifer,
All the love in the world to you. I don't know what to say here to convey how deeply your bravery has moved me. And how much I admire the way that you have used your pain to assist in affecting positive change for women with your participation in those programs that you mentioned. You are an inspiration.

I am glad that you have found love again. I wish for you the second chance that you deserve and hope that you can find peace and happiness in your future.
Shellie

on August 13, 2011 at 9:32 AM

218

Jennifer, thank you for everything you have done. You may not think of yourself as particularly amazing or brave, but every step you have taken in this process has provided immeasurable insight into crimes such as these, added humanity to them -- so often the forgotten element -- reminded us all of what can be lost and also of the incredible capacity to survive and thrive that each of us have. Thank you for writing this.

on August 13, 2011 at 9:59 AM

219

Thank you for sharing your experience in such a way it calls for all of us to be more compassionate and stronger and the best of who we can be. My love and prayers for you and beautiful Theresa.

SKK on August 13, 2011 at 10:58 AM

220

You are a strong person! Thanks so much for sharing your story.
You made me cry.

on August 13, 2011 at 11:01 AM

221

Dear Jen,

Thank you for sharing your story in a way that called upon all of us to be more compassionate, stronger and nurturing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Theresa.

SKK on August 13, 2011 at 11:02 AM

222

Jen, thank you so much for sharing your story here. I have never met you or Teresa, but I have thought of you both every day since July 19, 2009. What happened to you has had a deep impact on my life and I have been changed because of it. I wish you, Teresa, and your families peace and healing, as well as Denise Kalebu and the Kalebu family. I am grateful to The Stranger for continued reporting on your story. I am so proud of you for moving forward with your life and for your bravery. Thank you for your courage.

Naomi Knoble on August 13, 2011 at 2:13 PM

223

When Eli wrote of you as the bravest woman in Seattle, he may have been either premature or prescient. By writing this piece and introducing yourself to all of us, and the world, you have cemented that status. Like all of these others, my thoughts are often with you both, Jennifer and Theresa. I hope that you can allow time to heal you, eventually, and have the life you deserve, and that you both deserved.

Red_Ruth on August 13, 2011 at 2:24 PM

224

UNCUT: Statement From Victim Jennifer Hopper

Jennifer Hopper, the surviving victim in the South Park attack that killed her partner, made a statement at Isaiah Kalebu's sentencing.

http://www.kirotv.com/video/28850948/ind…

You are truly a gracious and brave young woman. I hope the media continues to leave you alone now that you have come forward so that you can continue to heal. I don't know you Jen, but I feel as if I do. I hope I can find the bravery, courage and grace that you have shown when I face my own attackers later this year. Many blessings to you and thank you for sharing your story. May Teresa RIP now.

Razzle on August 13, 2011 at 5:38 PM

225

Thank you for sharing this with us.

on August 13, 2011 at 8:49 PM

226

To #206, I feel you when you suggest the death penalty, I really do. What I get from reading Ms. Hopper's writing and watching the tape of her statement in court today is that she is forgiving her attacker not because he deserves it but because she does. Teresa's family does, too. They deserve to take back their power that the attacker would still control if they allowed anger and revenge to dominate their psyches and overwhelm their souls. Thank you #205 for that truly amazing poem. Mostly, thank you Jennifer for showing grace under fire that is powerful and transformative. I'm humbled by your empathy, your courage, and I feel the need to find it within myself to become a better person after having read your story.

mike hickey on August 13, 2011 at 9:45 PM

227

go forward in grace, my courageous sister.

pathstell on August 13, 2011 at 10:16 PM

228

Jennifer: the universe will right itself. You will be made whole. You are very loved. Even though I'll probably never meet you, I love you.

Queen of Cups on August 13, 2011 at 10:31 PM

229

Thank you for sharing your story. May this help the many more women and men who are raped each year.
One day at a time Jennifer.
There is a line between being a victim and being a survivor.
As a former victim myself I know you are well on your way to being that survivor.

All my best to you,
Greg

on August 14, 2011 at 6:54 AM

230

You do yourself an injustice to say you are not brave. Your determination to live life - LIVE - is nothing short of heroic. Thanks so much for sharing your story.

loisalene on August 14, 2011 at 11:09 AM

231

Wonderful story, thank you for sharing, this is how we women empower ourselves. I will say though that men are bigger and stronger than us, so I will be purchasing a gun to level the playing field. I think all women should own one and keep it by their bed.

wonderful027 on August 14, 2011 at 12:33 PM

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wonderful027 on August 14, 2011 at 12:39 PM

233

Thank you for sharing your story with the world. Your courage will help others to be brave and tell their stories. The gratitude you showed for the support you were given will inspire others to be support for people who have been violated. I hope you continue to heal and make the world a better place through truth.

on August 14, 2011 at 12:48 PM

234

Your story was told with such strength and honesty, and I think it is amazing how you have reacted.I read what you eventually said in the victim impact statement, and was utterly moved. Thank you for sharing. Keep on keeping on and remember that what you have shared will have such an amazing impact on so many peoples lives.

ladye on August 14, 2011 at 1:23 PM

235

Peace.

on August 14, 2011 at 4:01 PM

236

Jen, chances are you won't read this. But just in case, I feel compelled to write something.

I can't fully express how upset I was reading about your story. I cried for a long time over the horror you and your partner faced, and the sadness of your loss. I don't know if it gives you any comfort to know that someone you've never met grieved over your experience, but I want you to know that the thoughts of many, many people are with you.

I think you are doing a wonderful thing for victims of sexual assault and you are undoubtedly helping all women take another step forward towards a safer community in which we don't need to own guns or install dead-bolts on our doors.

I'm so, so sorry for what happened to you and Theresa. She sounded like a lovely, kind and intelligent woman. As do you. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

Alissa on August 14, 2011 at 9:31 PM

237

Jennifer,

Wow.You have such a gentle voice and what you say is so resilient. As a young widow myself, your words about the loss of your true love resonated strongly with me. While my husband died of natural causes, it happend suddenly and I too felt picked up by the scruff of my neck and dropped headfirst into another life. I lost my husband two months before your ordeal but even through the fog of my early grief I saw your story and I've followed it closely.

The thing that I appreciated most about your piece was reading that you do not hate Kalebu and did not want him to die. You have not let the ugliness of your experience blacken your heart. It is so important not to let revenge and hate keep you from healing. You have given this world gentle humanity by wishing no harm on him and by feeling compassion for the wrongs that may have come to him. Your ability to feel for him and his family brought me to tears and I hope will be one of the things that helps you find your future peace.
I dream of my husband often and find comfort in my night time visits with him. I hope that some day sooner than later you can sleep comfortably enough to see your Teresa again.

The world is a better place with you still in it. Live well for Teresa and live happily for yourself.

With graditude,
Robin

rcharles on August 14, 2011 at 11:57 PM

238

Wow, what an amazing, powerful essay. You made me cry, and even though you may not feel brave and strong at times, YOU ARE. Wishing you eventual peace and much love.

joybd on August 15, 2011 at 10:51 AM

239

That was very powerful. I commend you for sharing your name and working hard to put your life back together. I have thought alot about your story since it all went down, alot. What if that had happened to me? What would I have done? And so on.
Of course you want your Teresa back, but you will come out of this a stronger person. You have to... By the end of your article, I couldn't see the pages anymore. I haven't cried that hard since my Grandmother died. I shed tears for the death and for your decision to deny death and live. Powerful. The most powerful article the Stranger will ever publish -

Much Love

on August 15, 2011 at 11:43 AM

240

Thank you. I don't know you. But I have thought of the both of you many, many times. I write poetry. (I often think of victims of crime--recently I wrote another poem about Goodman, Cheney, and Schwerner!) My poems often speak of the randomness in life, the unfairness. And when I finish I still see the randomness and the unfairness. Parts of your response are words I have written in poems and stories or said in lectures. I love knowing you are a forgiving individual. The perpetrator is not well. he should have had help ages ago. I am glad you can say you are in "a good place," not the same place, not the best place, but a "good place." Writing can sometimes bring us to a good place. Know I will think of you two. I shall continue to wish you well and say prayers for you. Time won't necessarily heal the pain, but I have learned that it sometimes lessens the pain.
Georgia

GSM on August 15, 2011 at 12:11 PM

241

amazing. Thank you for sharing your story, I will never forget it.

on August 15, 2011 at 12:17 PM

242

As many others have also said, I think about you and your story all the time. I'm in awe that from such horror could come such a flood of love.
We wonder about you and this is such a gift to the community to hear form you and know that you are OK, at least in this moment. Your story will stay with us. Thank you so much for sharing with us. blessings.

I'm Black! Really! on August 15, 2011 at 5:26 PM

243

We love you, Jen! You have VIking strength that will carry you through your life towards renewed security and happiness. We value your awesomeness.

dakoneko on August 15, 2011 at 5:57 PM

244

Hi Jen,
I went to high school with you years ago. I read this story and I am in awe. I appreciate your honesty and bravery and am so sorry this happened to you and your partner. I truly hope you and your families find peace. Your compassion is nothing less than amazing.

on August 15, 2011 at 8:57 PM

245

Thank you for your insight. Thank you for speaking for women who have been raped. I have been, twice. For months you have been on my mind. I wonder how you can live in the space where the impossible happened. I deeply respect your courage. I will never forget you. Please continue to recover.

Lucdofoto on August 15, 2011 at 9:05 PM

246

Thanki you for your insight. Thank you for speaking for those who have been raped. I have, twice. Thank you for your courage. I have hoped for your recovery, and wondered how you can stay in the physical place where the unimaginable happened. Please continue to heal. I will never forget you.

Lucdofoto on August 15, 2011 at 9:17 PM

248

You are so strong! Your story is so inspiring, thank you for sharing.

heliumdesignco on August 16, 2011 at 7:15 AM

249

Thank you, Jennifer Hopper. You are amazingly brave and I wish you all the best as you continue to recover. I suspect you will continue to make the world a better place with your strength.

christieb on August 16, 2011 at 3:28 PM

250

Thank you for sharing your words with all of us. You and Teresa have both demonstrated that love is more powerful than anything, and I will never forget your story. I know that you will find peace and be happy again.

pleeeeease on August 16, 2011 at 5:30 PM

254

Thank you for sharing, I wish you well

peacecc on August 17, 2011 at 2:56 AM

255

Amazing, thank you so much for sharing your story! Your Grandmother was right, you are strong and human bound together by all that helped you through this horrendous ordeal. I'll keep you in prayer!

Pam G on August 17, 2011 at 4:49 AM

256

Dear Jennifer Hopper,
I am so glad you are still here and have found your voice to share with us, the world.

Thank you for sharing your story. I am touched, moved and inspired by your honesty, courage and willingness to move through this experience as vulnerably as you did.

With great respect and appreciation for sharing your story, I thank you.

Kris

Kris P. on August 17, 2011 at 9:36 AM

257

Kris P. on August 17, 2011 at 9:40 AM

258

Thank you Jennifer Hopper for still being here and finding your voice to share with us, the world.

Thank you for your honest letter. I admire and appreciate the honesty, courage and willingness you possess to move through this experience with such vulnerable grace.

With respect and admiration for who you are, how you've shown up and the bravery to write this letter, I thank you.

Kris

Kris P. on August 17, 2011 at 9:44 AM

259

Your words were just right. Thank you.

Aviatrix23 on August 18, 2011 at 4:21 AM

260

Wow -- you give voice to many through this. Thanks

cmr on August 18, 2011 at 7:39 AM

261

I've been following your story from the beginning and want to say that I'm so sorry for your loss and am inspired by your strength and courage throughout this horrific time in your life. I'm so happy that you have found love again and wish you both peace. Take care. xo

Robin in PA on August 18, 2011 at 8:35 AM

262

I cringed before I scrolled down to the comments section, expecting the comments section on this story to be like any other internet comments section filled with crap.

But that didn't happen.

Thanks, Jennifer, for sharing your story.

And thanks to everyone else, for acting like caring, normal human beings.

artistar on August 19, 2011 at 12:19 AM

263

Oh, honey, I never leave comments on *anything* online, but your courage and strength and my god, your spirit and love and guts just floored me. Thank you for sharing your story, and I wish you goodness and peace.

on August 19, 2011 at 12:50 AM

264

Your story was beautiful--I cried which is rare for me. I cry because it gives me hope. Hope to get to where you are at. I was drugged and raped when I was 14. I didn't have the strength to testify against the perpetrator. Only my parents know. I never tell friends. My husband doesn't even know. I can still feel how I felt that day--barely coming to and feeling a man digitally penetrating me while he was having sex with his girlfriend right beside me. I am now 32, still hypervigilant, and still wake up screaming from nightmares. I hope to get to the point you're at someday.

on August 19, 2011 at 2:27 PM

265

Thank you for your bravery, and for going public. I hope your life is filled with good things in the future.

May I recommend something though, for your sleep? If you are not allergic or averse to animals, please consider getting a dog. Not a bruiser for protection, but as an alarm. I'm a high anxiety person and often I have trouble getting to sleep for no good reason. I have had dogs all my life though, and when I have one of them sleeping in the same room, I have no worries about waking up to something horrible. The dogs would warn me of the slightest anomaly. (I also had a Siamese cat that would do the same thing.) And when I'm awake, they also do wonders for my other high-anxiety moments.

A herding or a terrier breed would be ideal for this, though I caution that they are also high-energy types of dogs and would need a lot of training, socialization and exercise. But the plus side is that those activities will bring you into contact with a lot of really cool people - there are worse things than hanging out with the dog-lover crowd.

There is some speculation that domesticating the dog and having it guard our sleep at night (essentially taking over an important and resource-consuming job) was one of the turning points in human evolution, allowing us to turn our minds to other things beyond basic survival. I tend to believe it.

I only suggest this because I went for a long period without having dogs living in my house. I frequently found myself unnerved by living alone, and was often scared to go to sleep at night. I haven't had a night like that since my current pair of border collies came to live with me. They're not attack dogs, but they are vigilant, and will let me know if anyone approaches the house while I'm sleeping.

JrzWrld on August 19, 2011 at 2:36 PM

266

Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you much love and happiness.

Marijke on August 21, 2011 at 12:15 AM

267

@224
http://www.kirotv.com/video/28850948/ind…

Wow! What an amazing woman. What an incredible role model you are, Jennifer, to us all, in forgiveness.

How to come at this horrific thing you had to experience with such strength, and like rcharles said, to not let it blacken your heart. That you still have love (and it sounds like you have more love coming from you), that this monstrous act didn't dull your heart.

I've never seen such an example of forgiveness as this. We can all learn from this. Most of us will not have to apply it to anything as horrific, but in the smaller things that may happen to us, those of us who have read this will be able to recall how you handled this.

Unfuckingbelievable!

Thank you Jennifer!

doloresdaphne on August 21, 2011 at 5:45 AM

268

http://www.kirotv.com/video/28850948/ind…

I just watched as you gave your final statement.

Wow, Jennifer. You are amazing! To come at such an horrific experience with so much strength and compassion and love and forgiveness.

I think it's little milestones like this that nudge human evolution forward. Talk about setting an example to the rest of us!

One step away from our barbaric, punitive mentality to one of love, strength, forgiveness and gentleness. You are amazing!

I'm so sorry for what happened. Thank you for inspiring us with your strength.

(from Australia).

doloresdaphne on August 21, 2011 at 5:57 AM

269

Your courage is inspiring. You are amazing and strong!! Thank you for sharing such a personal journey. Much Peace to you!

AZhikinlvr on August 22, 2011 at 4:00 PM

270

My birthday is July the 18th and I woke up that year to this story, something that haappen to other lesbians and I followed it closely ever since and when it was finally over (as over as it can be) I felt the same way, that somehow when Kalebu was found quilty and went away for ever Teresa could come back and the universe would have righted itself. Justice, doesn't feel like justice somehow if it doesn't work that way, that is one of the really big flaws in reality.

Risley on August 27, 2011 at 11:26 AM

271

You are inspiring as I struggle with forgiveness.

on August 29, 2011 at 9:46 AM

272

Jennifer-

Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your truth. Your story touched my heart, and my compassion goes out to you.

Blessings to you always~

on September 3, 2011 at 2:11 PM

273

Jennifer, I think of you and Teresa every night. What happened to you both put a new layer of fear into my life, yet what you did with it inspires a level of courage and hope I wouldn't have imagined without your words. You didn't just survive, you are truly alive. Thank you for what you've shared; you've shown that it's possible to move through incomprehensible horror back to blessed humanity.
You walked through the fire and you identified the many wonderful people who walked with you. I know you know but I want to tell you again that so many more of us continue to hold you and your family, and Teresa's family, in our hearts every day. Best wishes to you.

Kittenesque on September 19, 2011 at 9:36 PM

274

Beautiful. I feel like you read my diary before you wrote this. I don't know how you found the words because I never have managed to. I am so proud of you. We all are.

The only way I could sleep again was a German Shepherd.

on November 9, 2011 at 8:41 PM

275

I think of your story almost every day, ever since I first read Eli's story in early August 2011. It took weeks until I could fall asleep at night without thinking of it. Whatever suffering I experience in my life, I know it pales in comparison with yours & your partner's. Your unbelievable fortitude has inspired me to try to be strong, too.
--Andy

drufus on March 1, 2012 at 9:08 PM

276

drufus on March 1, 2012 at 9:11 PM

277

Thank you Jean from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story and touching many hearts. I am sending you warm hugs to a beautiful lady!
Your Peruvian friend Pilar Patzkowski

Pilar on April 16, 2012 at 10:28 PM

278

Thank you Jen from the bottom of my heart, thank you for open your heart and soul, so sorry for your loss. Sending warm hugs to a beautiful lady!
Pilar

Pilar on April 16, 2012 at 10:35 PM

279

I wish you all of the best. You're an incredible person, & I'll never forget you.

Katie B on April 17, 2012 at 8:39 AM

280

Thank you for your story. You are truly an inspiration.

catyrose on April 17, 2012 at 10:28 AM

281

Thank you, Jen. I wish you continued healing and joy.

kim in portland on April 17, 2012 at 12:02 PM

282

Thank you, Jennifer. Your story is devastating, but your courage is amazing, and my partner Karen and I will enroll in self-defense lessons because of what happened to you and Teresa.

I'm so sorry for your loss-- it sounds like what you and Teresa had together was very beautiful and special. I wish you every good thing as you continue your journey toward healing and peace. <3

amandamo on April 17, 2012 at 12:26 PM

283

amandamo on April 17, 2012 at 12:28 PM

284

What an incredible act of courage to share your story and truth with the world. There is no better or more loving tribute to your partner than this truth. I'm proud of what you've done after enduring one of the most horrific situations I could ever imagine. The Stranger and Eli got it right - You are indeed the bravest woman in Seattle.

DachshundPup on April 17, 2012 at 1:13 PM

285

Thank you for taking this horrific attack on you and your partner and trying to make it give voice to victims who can't yet be named and seen. Sending you all good wishes.

on April 17, 2012 at 1:54 PM

286

Dear Jennifer,

You are amazing and beautiful and brave. Thank you so much for speaking up for yourself, and for witnessing for Teresa. God bless both of you.

on April 17, 2012 at 1:55 PM

287

Jennifer Hopper. Yes, you have a name.

Krunch on April 17, 2012 at 4:47 PM

288

Jennifer,

You are truly an inspiration. Your story has touched me on a very deep level. I am in awe of your honesty and resilience.

I had an experience in the 1980s where someone tried to abduct me on the street. I escaped, and not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for that. I am well aware that I could've ended up having to endure something akin to what you and your partner experienced. I also wrote about what happened to me for the Stranger - it was run without my name to protect my identity. I admire that you put yourself out there.

You are nothing short of amazing. I hope you can feel all of the strength and support that has been expressed here. You have touched many by writing this. Thank you.

rockgal on April 18, 2012 at 9:15 PM

289

I just finished reading the article from The Stranger and saw the link to yours. I hadn't heard about this until now. Thank you for your courage. Perhaps it will help other women to speak out. I wish you the very best in the future.

ann95340 on April 19, 2012 at 9:27 AM

290

Jennifer, I just heard about you today when I saw a link to the Pulitzer winning article.

Thank you for your courage and grace. Perhaps what you survived will encourage others to speak out. Oh behalf of my teenage great-granddaughters, I thank you again.

ann95340 on April 19, 2012 at 12:08 PM

291

This line killed me: I hope that some day sooner than later you can sleep comfortably enough to see your Teresa again.

I also fervently hope that for you. I'm so sorry for your loss and so inspired by your courage.

pamyllia on April 20, 2012 at 7:50 AM

292

Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry for your loss. I wish you all the best. Peace and love.

- L

Write or Wrong on April 20, 2012 at 7:52 PM

293

Jennifer, I have thought of you and Teresa so many times since this happened. I don't know you and will probably never meet you, but please know that there are people out there, including me, who will never forget you and what happened to you. And who will think of you from time to time and hope that you are okay. I wish you peace, healing and happiness.

Compass Rose on April 20, 2012 at 11:43 PM

294

Dear Ms. Hopper,
Bless you. Thank you for your courage, and for Teresa's. I am so sorry that her voice was silenced. I am humbled by your ability to voice the pain and madness that occurred; I am so deeply saddened and horrified by what happened to you and Teresa, and you both are in my prayers. Thank you for the example you have provided, of what courage truly looks like. As a previous commenter said, Go forward in grace. And I wish you healing, and solace, and peace. I would hope to be able to handle myself with the same dignity and honor you have shown in the face of such adversity. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

on April 25, 2012 at 3:00 AM

295

Jen, You are a wonderful and beautiful woman. I am so honored to have the chance to get to know you this past weekend at our event in Madison. I hope, together, we can continue this journey of ending sexual violence!!!

Jaudeen on April 30, 2012 at 1:50 PM

296

Thanks for sharing, Jennifer. I'll never forget your name. All support from Italy.
Pete

on May 18, 2012 at 12:24 PM

297

happy birthday, Teresa. You will not be forgotten.

Rella on October 18, 2012 at 8:33 PM

298

Thank you.

on November 15, 2012 at 5:57 AM

299

For some reason, I never heard of this story until yesterday, when I was reading a completely different and saw a link to Eli Sander's work. Perhaps I never heard of the case because I live in a far away land called California, where people tend to be a bit over-adsorbed in what's happening in this state. However,I read just about everything about the case, including this story. Like so many people have commented, Jennifer Hopper's beautiful writing is inspiring,courageous, yet at the same time, beautifully sad. And it has caused me to reflect on my own life. Angela in Oakland, California

Twenty six years ago, I was married to violent, bi-polar drug addict. I don't wish to stigmatize people who suffer from that horribly debilitating illness; my ex-husband was one of those extreme cases who, like the Isiah Kalebu, came from a background of extreme abuse, and steadfastly refused help. Yes, he was extremely abusive, and threatened to kill me, our children and my family many times. The marriage ended when he pulled out a 12 inch Bowie hunting knife and tried to stab me with it in front of our children. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not aware of how close I came to death that day.

Ms. Hopper, I wish I had your courage to take action and have him arrested the very first time he hit me. But I kept thinking that I had to find a way to help him get better. I was young and extremely naive, in addition to being ignorant about bi-polar illness. But I hope many people will become motivated to advocate for changes within our mental health and judicial systems. I have. As a survivor, it's the very least I can do. God bless you, Jennifer Hopper, and rest in peace, Teresa Butz.

on December 30, 2012 at 12:54 PM

300

Jennifer, I happened to find your story through my search for pulitzer prize winner stories. I was intrigued from the moment I read it. As a lesbian from China I can somehow partly understand how you feel. And I just cannot express how much I admire and respect for what you have done. I don't know what I would do under that attack and under that trail, and somehow your story make me want to ponder over what I should do in the future and enlighten me with a new way to see through what lesbians should bear in their life. Thank you. I don't know how to express my gratitude, and I hope wish you peace and happiness in your life. Agnes Lu at Hong Kong.

on November 22, 2013 at 5:15 AM

301

Stay strong. Your story gives courage.

Thank you for telling it.

=Love from Israel=

dora-Love on October 22, 2014 at 12:16 PM

I Would Like You to Know My Name

How My Life Changed After That Night in South Park

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How My Life Changed After That Night in South Park

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