How Would My Rape Shape My Kids' Lives?

摘要

Years ago, when I was 18 and traveling in a foreign country, I was raped and left to die. I now have two daughters, one 15, one 17-almost the age I was then. I have vanquished most of the demons that have haunted me since that awful day, but recently I came face to face with a new one: how could I tell my kids? I remember how I felt during the years leading up to the rape-invulnerable, tough, fearless. I traveled overseas because I wanted to push past the boundaries of my small New Jersey town. I left my first boyfriend at home-I remember how thrilling it was a few months before to discover love and sex. I had just finished my freshman year at college. Life was impossibly wonderful.