First, I want to note that I am writing this post for the following reasons:
1. 2 Timothy 1:7 (God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a strong-mind.2. I will not let this incident keep me from a place I love.
3. Secrets often have great power over the secret-keeper.
4. I refuse to let this incident have power over me.
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Yesterday, Kobe and I went on our regular walk down our favorite trail in the park. I have taken to calling it the Prayer Road, since I spend most of my time talking to God. Round trip, it is a two-mile walk through a canopy of trees - pure loveliness. Even the concrete supports and the railroad tracks sprinkled along the way add something special to the experience.
On our way back, we were past by a man smoking a cigarette walking in the opposite direction. This is pretty standard; we have encountered many neighbors and strangers alike on this trail.
About 10 minutes later, he walked past us again (going in the same direction) only this time he was only wearing shorts, his Minnesota Wild sweatshirt was stuffed in his backpack. Now, I thought this was really weird, but Kobe and I continued to putter about: Kobe was eating grass and tinkling on things, while I gathered leaves for a collage.
As we walked on, Kobe was walking ahead of me. He continued until he got to the concrete pillars then stopped, squared his shoulders, perked up his ears and ruffed up his fur a bit. He was looking at a man sitting on the concrete.
I could see the man's head from where I stood. But as I got closer, I quickly realized that he was completely naked and he was diddling himself. I was stunned! Now I have seen teenagers, making out or smoking "funny-smelling" cigarettes, but I had never seen anything like this. ANYWHERE!
He noticed the look on my face and said, " I don't mean any harm, I am just an exhibitionist."
To which I said, " I don't care what you are, don't nobody want to see that. Put you gotdamn clothes back on!" Yes, I used the vernacular forms and Yes he put his clothes back on.
He went on to explain that he has always like exposing himself to women, even when he was a kid. I told him his behavior was incredibly disrespectful. I asked him, "Would you do that in front of your mother? He said God No!
"But it is OK to disrespect me? Hell, my dog didn't need to see that!" I said. I went on to add the following. " You need two things: therapy and Jesus!" I asked him if he went to church, he said not in a long time, so I suggested he go back. And when he gets there, he should tell the pastor what he does.
To which he replied, "Yeah, they sent me to one of those men's groups, but they don't focus on things from a spiritual aspect." I told him to keep going to those meetings too.
Finally I told him this: "I don't ever want to see you in this park again. And I mean it!" and with that, he put back on his sweatshirt, socks, shoes and left the trail. Kobe and I also made our way home.
Now this may seem like a long conversation to have with a pervert, but is was actually quite useful. When I got home I called the police and the park police. I was able to describe him in complete detail as well as add that he had been in therapy for this behavior before. I asked the park police to increase patrol in the area and they said they would.
I really don't want to see him in the park again. I know a lot of women who run on that trail, and plenty of children play there as well and they have a right to use the park unmolested. I too will continue to go to the park, but I will have my cell phone with me from now on!
I hope this will inspire other women to feel empowered. These men are cowards who get off on hearing women scream. Don't give them the satisfaction. This is not to say you should expose yourself to danger - safety is the highest priority.
Don't let these coward make you feel like a victim. I refuse to be a victim.
Love,
Eryka
