cleveland Kidnap survivors say they’re thriving

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

The three women held captive in a Cleveland house before escaping a year ago today have spent their first year of freedom in nearly a decade learning to drive, taking boxing lessons and cherishing time with their families.

Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus both said in statements released Monday that they are thankful and growing in many ways.

Michelle Knight said in an interview on NBC’s “Today” show Monday that she forgives the man who kidnapped and tortured her and the two others. She said Ariel Castro deserves forgiveness because she’d want to be forgiven if she did wrong, and “that’s the way of life.”

Today is the anniversary of the escape from the house by Knight, Berry and DeJesus. Knight, 33, said she doesn’t see much of the other two women, saying, “We’re all now living in our own way.”

DeJesus was 14 when she was kidnapped by Castro. She said she’s enjoying learning how to drive and use new technology. “I am spending time with my family and working with Amanda on a book that we are really excited about,” she said.

Berry said the future is bright for her and thanked her family and friends for support.

Knight — who has a book coming out today — said she’s a singer who just recorded a song, and she’s also training to be a boxer.