Reader comments
Elizabeth Smart hopes to aid victims

I don't much care for pop culture and it's "I'm like" grammar, but a big GO GIRL seems to be in order. Elizabeth Smart has written her life story, HER way rather than using victimization as an excuse to roll into a non-functional ball. This lesson can be applied to so many life situations since the chances of anyone being kidnapped are pretty small. Those who spend their days railing against poor parents, mean teachers, an ex-spouse who was controlling, as a reason for their ruts, need to watch this wonderful young woman reach higher and higher goals, HER goals.
God Bless her and her family

That was a great article. I am so glad to see that she is doing so well. She gives such great advise that anyone who has suffered from some type of trauma can use.

You are a blessed and fortunate family.

These abductors are the type to focus on in our justice system, not the teens having sex. There is is world of difference -- TRUE sex offenders versus the young, experimenting with sex in our sex saturated culture.

Elizabeth is a example to all. I think it's great that she has so many good goals and is in college.

Elizabeth, you have really grown into a beautiful woman, inside and out. You have not let the "uglies" of your life get you down. Our future generations have a great leader in their midst. I remember praying for your safety with my young children and now they sometimes ask what you are doing? How proud I am to report on such a remarkable attitude that you have and share with the world and with victims of the same circumstance. Thank you for being a blessing in our lives and for setting an example to my children. God bless you.

Will be six years in June not a little over five years.

I met Elizabeth in the baptistry of the SL Temple shortly after she returned and had a marvelous conversation with her. What a sweet spirit. I am sure that anything she decides to put her name to will be well thought out and special. At the same time though isn't it time Ed disappeared into the ether instead of in front of every camera he can find?

I think it's great that Ed is such a supportive father. It has probably made a world of difference to Elizabeth. Judging others only hurts them. It doesn't help anybody.

Elizabeth, you are such an example to me. The way that you have moved on with your life will continue to bless all that watch you. We are all behind you and are truly thankful for your well being.

Actually the article says that it has been a little over 5 years since she was FOUND which was on March 12th. So the article is correct.

Six years since her abduction, but if you read it again, it says it has been a little over five years since she was found.

The article says five years since she RETURNED from the abduction. So six since she was abducted, and five since she returned.

I was a victim of sexual abuse during my childhood in Utah. The ghosts just don't go away magically. It was not until I was in my early 30's did the meemories start surfacing. I believe it is important to look at the past, and clean up my part, (such as resentments, and hatred) so that I can help others on their journey. I am also a member of several 12 step groups. I also don't visit Utah very often.

This young lady reminds me of other LDS survivors, such as Vietnam and veterans of other wars. Those who have leaned on the Saviour and looked forward have adjusted well and moved forward. That is a lesson to us all about the power of the atonement. Their experiences will always be a part of them but they do not let those experiences define them.

You don't visit Utah very often...just read Utah's papers online and comment in a way that indicates you blame Utah for your being abused.

I wish you well in your continued, lifelong quest for recovery from and conquering of wrong acts committed against you.

It's a good thing Elizabeth is pretty, because if she wasn't most of you posting on here wouldn't care as much. You're all saying how beautiful she is. Do you think that makes a difference in her survival from her ordeal?

To: anonymous

I also was a victim of sexual abuse in Utah. The emotional and psychic scars will be with me the rest of my life. A member of my family passed away last year and I could not go back to Utah for the funeral because it would be too hard for me to return to Utah. God bless Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's entire family were victims in this ordeal. I wish them all the best and hope they all get the help they need to heal.

Yes, almost 6 years and it looks like the Smarts have found their mission - to bore us to death with a story only a few local are interested in. It was inspirational the first 100 times but it's old news now. They need to find something else to do and the Deseret News needs to give this story a rest; along with American Idol.

To: LKelly I say thank goodness for fathers like Ed Smart. He is helping others by, as you say, always standing in front of every camera he can find. You shouldn't judge others, especially when you haven't walked in their shoes.
Also to Anonymous: I think almost everyone who says Elizabeth is beautiful means "the beauty within". That's not to say she isn't beautiful without also. You used the word "pretty". That's not what was said.

Elizabeth, you are a wonderful example to all people, young and old. Thank you for your marvelous courage and help to all. God bless you.
Elizabeth

To Penny Nichols Don't kid yourself that only a few locals are interested in this story. Evidently you haven't ever been touched by abduction. Didn't the article say she is going to Washington D.C.
I hope you never have to become aquainted with her pamplet if that is how you feel. Why are humans always so ready to judge others?