Matthew:
Yeah, Im curious as well as to why his posts were removed. If he was the real person involved I feel that it just might be worth listening to what he has to say.
Um....... I don't think so man.... Think about what your saying. Let's just suppose you have a 10 year old daughter...(ok, with me?)
And lets just say....hrmmmmmmm, she's walking home from school and someone jumps out and grabs her. (Hope your still following me on this) And just for kicks and grins, this person decides today YOUR child will become their victim. Now your dealing with an extremely fragile child and family. I'm sure there would be anger, rage, fear, sadness, and any and every other emotion you could possible think of. Now, just to shed light on where Cynthia is coming from... Let's just say you posted your story on a board like Mommies2mommies.com, a place that parents go for all kinds of info. in fact it's a board just like this one. So here you are on this kid board posting your story and all of a sudden someone doesn't believe the incident ever happened. Then you get some bone head who identifies himself as the perpetrator (even though your pretty certain the real one is in jail). I'm just curious how you might feel at this point in our imaginary synopsis.
But wait...... it gets better. Not only have you been assaulted and mocked, but now you have someone saying that the assailant should have the right to stay on the board (remember, just like Cynthia, you too are using the board to try and mend yourself and child) and defend himself...... HELLO!!! what were you thinking??????
I'm sure it was just an oversight on the behalf of the insensitive parties asking such "smack"...!!! I would urge you to recant your previous question as to why the posts were pulled........!!!!!!!!
Cynthia, just remember, there's all walks of life out there. I truly believe there is still more good than bad out there. My heart aches for you. I pray that this terrible nightmare of an ordeal you've been through will make you stronger. I know it is way to soon to go into any details about what happened, but it will be something you need to do (not necessarily public or on this board, just in general). I'm so glad to hear that you and your husband will be making another trip, I think it will start the mending process also. Your a very brave woman for putting your self out here for us to read, question, in some cases even ridicule you. Taking action against this scum bag was a huge thing. I can't help but wonder how many other women he has done this to in the past that might not have reported him.
In time, I would love to hear anything that might help us avoid your same fate. I am a huge advocate for women divers, constantly urging them to join our beloved sport, demanding to be treated fairly. During you healing phase, I'm certain many questions will run through your mind, I'm not asking what you think you could have done different (God knows, you did enough by keeping yourself alive), just maybe if you noticed any strange behavior prior to the dive or anything we should be weary of.
Again Cynthia, thank you so much for sharing your courageous story with us!!!! If you ever need someone to talk to, please email me at
baitedstorm@yahoo.com, you can even call me if you'd like. I've been where your at (circumstances a little different and not in the water), I too, know the hurt and anger your feeling. Keep your chin up, and your heart open and know that you did NOTHING to cause this to happen.
I promise, this too will pass in time.
Your Friend,
Vickie
