A Letter from Jake

I wanted to share a sneak peek with you all...

The letter below is a letter written to me from my best friend, Jake. The "sneak peek" of it is that I've also included it in the memoir I've written. While the world doesn't know I've written a memoir, the select few people that have access to this blog may know. After February 10th, 2021 - sentencing, where I can read my Victim Impact Statement - I won't have to hide my memoir from the world any longer.

What you should know is that my best friend Jake lifts me up. He makes me a better human, and encourages me to keep writing, advocating, growing, knowing, and becoming. While he often wants to make sure I'm protected, he knows that when I say, "I'm going to do it anyway," that - I'm going to do it anyway, and he supports me regardless.

Keep following, reading, and (after February 10th, 2021) sharing my blog for more sneak peeks of my memoir.

I'm honored to share:

Danielle,

First of all, thanks to you for your strength, determination and company. Since we have known each other, the time that I have spent with you has been unbelievable, I feel like I’ve known you my entire life. You. Are Amazing.

I will never forget the first time we met, and I remember being completely intrigued and lost in your atmosphere. I shouldn’t be surprised by any of your qualities the more I’ve gotten to know you. You are the definition of strength, determination and drive. I would never have believed you’ve been through what you have, if you didn’t tell me.

When you shared your story with me, I felt angry, hurt and the urge to find him before the authorities did. But I knew from that moment that you would be okay, an advocate and a leader to the countless number of voices that were too afraid to speak up. You could have stayed in a hole, hid, and suffered in private, but you didn’t. You chose to fight.

What happened to you is not your fault. You know that. You were chosen because your attacker was weak, not you, and he thought you were a soft target. You never were a soft target, and you did what you had to do. He was weak, not you. As a result, you have become so strong, determined, and resilient.

I could never be more blessed then to have you come into my life and share your story and time. Despite what happened, you are a wonderful human, amazing mother, a great friend, an advocate and have become determined, to be a voice. To be a voice for all the people that can’t speak up, that won’t speak up and aren’t able to speak up. For that I have nothing but admiration and respect for you.

Thank you for inspiring me to live my best life. I am so grateful for today, thankful for yesterday and hopeful for tomorrow, because of you.

Keep on keeping on. Life is good. You are amazing. Seize the day.

Jake

Dear Jake,

Thank you for being my ride or die, my # 1 fan, and my best friend.

Danielle