Ode to Tony
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Vjack over at Atheist Revolution posted an Ode to Tony about a childhood friend who was forced to go through an exorcism. It's a sad and disturbing story.
Tony was told that he was possessed by demons and that the group was going to exorcise them by any means necessary. Prayers, threats, and physical abuse would ensue for several hours. They continued until near dawn. Tony was exhausted to the point where he could no longer resist. He broke. He told them what they wanted to hear, even acting out what he thought it must look like for demons to leave one's body. There was nothing else he could do.
I can't imagine being in that situation as a young adult. I know that his parents probably thought they were doing the right thing for him, but I can't imagine not having doubt over something so extreme and not having it tear you apart later when you realize what you've put your child through. Maybe with the confession they convinced themselves it was true.
Friday, October 5, 2007 at 9:42:00 AM CDT
Thanks for the link. I hadn't thought about Tony in years, and now I just can't get his story out of my head. I'm not even aware of anything triggering the memory. In any case, I'm glad to know that others were moved by this.
Friday, October 5, 2007 at 9:51:00 AM CDT
Thanks, vjack.
I know it may be difficult more emotionally than in reality, but maybe you should track down Tony and see how he's doing? A lot changes in 15 years and he might be a different person today. And even if he's still angry, bitter, and hateful, there still has to be a part of him that is still the same as you remember.