Jayme Closs, who freed herself from captor, feels 'stronger every day'
BARRON, Wis. _ Jayme Closs, the teenage girl who freed herself from her captor after she was abducted by a stranger in her home who murdered her parents one year ago, said in a statement released Monday that she is feeling "stronger every day."
Closs, now 14, said in the statement read aloud by her guardian that she wanted to "thank everyone for all the kindness and concern that people all over the country have shown me. I'm very happy to be home and getting back to the activity that I enjoy. I love hanging out with all my friends and I feel stronger every day."
Guardian Chris Gramstrup said at a news conference at the county justice center Monday morning that the teen, who endured 88 days in captivity before escaping from a cabin in the woods some 70 miles from her home on Jan. 10, has opened her heart and entrusted people around her.
Over the summer, she spent a lot of time with her family and friends, hiking through state parks and taking other day trips, celebrating family weddings and birthdays including her own, and getting back into a routine with her friends, Gramstrup said.
"She's a very social young woman and she really enjoys reconnecting and being with her good friends," he said. "She continues to work very, very hard on her emotional well-being. She's moving forward courageously and she's reclaiming her life."
_Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
