Sand Springs woman writes book to inspire others

A Sand Springs woman was abducted and raped for several hours and lived to tell the story. Now, 12 years later she's put her memories on paper. And she's hoping to help others. <br/><br/>News

Sunday, February 13th 2005, 5:47 pm

By: News On 6

A Sand Springs woman was abducted and raped for several hours and lived to tell the story. Now, 12 years later she's put her memories on paper. And she's hoping to help others.

News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims talked with Penny Stuckey as she previews her book â€œMy Dark Night of Terror.â€

"I was cold, scared, and hurting. And I felt so drained. It seemed as if I were living a nightmare." Penny Stuckey's nightmare began 12 years ago, when she was abducted and raped several times by three men. She thought her life was going to be over, but she was able to find the strength to call for help.

Detective: "so all this time she was screaming and scuffling with them the operator was listening." Police converged on the house and Penny Stuckey was saved. From the book: â€œBut a real voice in the front seat said, 'donâ€™t worry ma'am you're safe now I'm calling for an ambulance to take you to the hospital.â€

Looking at her now, you'd never know this wife and mother had lived through such a horrible ordeal. But Penny Stuckey wants you to know, that's why she's written a new book, called "My Dark Night of Terror."

Penny Stuckey: "I had nothing to hide. It wasn't my fault and it really was a time of healing to write this book.â€ Itâ€™s taken a long time for Stuckey to make peace with what happened to her. Years of ups and downs, first a speedy trial, two convictions, followed by unprecedented jail time for her attackers. Then those convictions were overturned because of a judicial mistake. She went through the trauma of a trial a second time, but this time the convictions and the sentences stuck, both men are behind bars for life.

But hers is not a story of revenge. "Learning to forgive and have faith and go on has meant so much and writing this book has really ended it all for me." Penny Stuckey has poured her heart into these pages. Her wish is to help someone else. "And I know there's a lot of ladies out there hurting. And itâ€™s nothing to hold in or be ashamed or be quiet about it. You can get help, and get counseling, lean on a friend, read a book, pray, got to church, get some help, get strong and that's what I did."

Pennyâ€™s husband Chuck Stuckey: "we feel like this book is not just about her Its not just about what Penny went through even though its horrible its to let other women know yes I can get through this thatâ€™s right." From the book: â€œGod had worked a miracle I was safe now. After four and a half hours in hell I felt rescued my prayers had been answered and it was the most wonderful feeling of my life the spiritual warfare that had been occurring had been won."

Penny Stuckey tells us she hopes she can release her book as early as this summer.