What our other readers are saying:
Acknowledge diversity
It's very saddening that some Americans are alleging that Jill staged her kidnapping, and that she would do so because she supports "everything Muslim". It must be doubly painful for Jill to be personally attacked after undergoing such a traumatic experience, while the accuser also displays ignorance of the very elements of nuance and complexity that Jill urges us to take from her work.
At a time when it would greatly behoove us to acknowledge the diversity and complexity of various strains of Muslim and Arab thought, such narrow thinkers are doing America a great disservice
Mike Kinsley, Los Angeles, Calif., USA
It's all about choices
Jill,
Thank you for having the courage to tell your story. It's unbelievable, the resiliance of your soul and being. I learned that strength and courage are either gained or lost each day, but the choices that we make each day make the difference in the outcome. If you hadn't acted each day from your head and your heart, you could have made a fatal mistake at any time, but each day, you survived. Welcome home, and thanks again for your story.
Perla George, Houston, Tex., USA
Stregth, humility, patience
One of the claims Jill's captors made was that they had killed 40000 American soldiers. They seemed to really believe that, and I wondered despairingly how to deal with a thought mired in such delusion. Then I listened to the questions readers sent in for Jill, and one of them accused her of being a traitor and that the whole kidnapping had been staged. And I thought again - how do we deal with a thought mired in such delusion?
I think the lessons Jill learned are the ones we all need: Never give in to despair, but don't be blinded by false hope. And above all, live every moment with strength tempered with the humility of patience.
Gregg Radel, Phoenix, Ariz., USA
Why we embrace Jill
What has struck me throughout this whole ordeal, and now this series, is Jill's humility. Over the last couple of weeks we have further seen how Jill's character is one to be admired. She says that she feels guilty for receiving so much attention, and that being kidnapped isn't worthy of praise. What I hope she realizes is that it isn't the fact that she was kidnapped, but rather the way in which she handled the entire situation that draws people in. She came home to the United States not wanting to reap what benefits she could from this, such as money or fame, but instead has handled her newfound "celebrity status" with a degree of maturity and respect that isn't seen too often. Jill's intelligence in how she handled herself not only while in captivity, but also in the months following her release, is definitely worthy of praise, which is why the world has so widely and readily embraced her.
Danielle Mandosa, Stoneham, Mass., USA
The first step toward understanding
Reading Jill's story has given me hope. There is still something good in the people of Iraq. But more than hope, it has helped me to understand a mindset and life that is so alien to me. Although I can't say I fully understand with my heart, I am closer now by understanding some with my head. If more people (mainly Americans) took the time to at least understand with their heads, then maybe we'd start to find our way through the fog of this war by at least recognizing the humanity (in whatever form) that we all share. Thank you, Jill, for telling your story.
Trevor Wilson, Benecia, Calif., USA
Live in the moment
I just wanted to send a special thank you to Jill for sharing her experience. I look forward to the end chapters, but I will also miss reading more. I have come away with many thoughts after reading her story, but I think what I've come away with the most is to live every day in the present moment. One never knows what is going to happen in the next moments.
With gratitute for Jill's safety and for the sharing of her experience, peace.
Laura Broski, Walnut, Calif., USA
Thank you, Jill
I have read your story one day at a time. At first I was upset that I had to wait one more day for the next segment. Then I began to see the people who held you not as religious fanatics with guns, but people with family and children. I cried and laughed at your vivid descriptions. I have learned to listen and read more about what is happening in Iraq. I was in the US Marines and served during Desert Shield/Storm. For more than 10 years I have wanted total destruction of that evil country. I could not have done what you did. I could not have survived the mental torture and agony. I have hated the men that killed your friend and held you captive. But, because of your story and safe return, I will try to understand. Thank you, Jill.
Tony Richter, Omaha, Neb., USA
Look at it from their view
I've learned that many of us tend to think only of our own point of view. Yes, Jill went through a terrible ordeal, but what about what they have been going through because of the US? As they said, "Why DO our sons kill their sons?"
Patti Stevens, Niagara, Wis., USA
