December, 2015
It seems incredible that these twenty years of incarceration and parole are finally over. It is strange that the moment has actually come in which I can separate a before and after, and distinguish that past from my present. It is now the past.
As with any experience in life, this was one with many lessons on a broader political context but also on the day-to-day human level of survival and thriving in spaces of adversity. Many things can be appreciated and learned in any situation, but perhaps the foremost important lesson that sticks with me today is the incredible importance of human solidarity in enabling people to overcome obstacles, despite the trying circumstances. I am ever so grateful to all of the people who demonstrated their solidarity and support to me and my family over these long years. Your kindness, interest and sincere concern were fundamental to maintaining our spirits high, and gave us the force that helped us to face the diverse difficulties we encountered, in this long road back to freedom.
I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be close to my family again, to begin to face new challenges that life in freedom beholds. I hope to continue seeing many of you in working for a more just world from diverse perspectives but with the same goals of social justice, equality and humanity.
Best wishes to all
Lori Berenson