song of the day: 'do you hear what i hear?'
it's friday! and tomorrow i'll be heading down to dallas. i'm much less nervous today and i'm thankful for that. but there's something that's been weighing on my heart lately. on tuesday, a girl was sexually assaulted while running on one of the local jogging trails. this happened out in the open, in a public area and a place that i run all the time. i had actually run there that same morning and saw a vehicle in the parking lot that matched the description she gave in the police report. i have no idea who this girl is, i think she may be a university student, i'm not sure. but i hurt for her. it just makes me so angry that there are men out there who would seek to steal and destroy. to me, it goes so much further than him forcing his lust on her when it was clearly unwanted, but that he obviously felt she was worthless. she will live her whole life with the emotional scars from that encounter and it just makes me so sad. i think i'm more sensitive to this since i had my dog attack. when i ran out at my parents' house at thanksgiving, a dog who was just being inquisitive came out of his yard and sniffed at my feet. i stopped running, covered my face and starting sobbing and screaming. not that the dog was mean, it's just still so raw in my mind that i get freaked out when i see any dog whatsoever. i can't imagine what this girl will have to go through.
i know it's a bit heavy for a friday, but i just want you all to know that you are worth protecting. i run with mace and am thinking about getting a second one to put in my bag or car, and i would urge you guys to do the same. and please just take care to know your surroundings and if you do run, to only go where it's out in the open and that someone knows what route you're taking. and tell your friends to be careful too. the more we are aware the more protected we'll be. and we are worth it :)
details:
blouse-vintage
cardigan-target
shorts-thrifted
loafers-dexter, thrifted
