Kayla Mueller, the American ISIS hostage kidnapped in August 2013, is dead according to a statement from her family released Tuesday. A letter also released by the Mueller family focuses on how they plan to carry on, despite the loss of their only daughter.
Notes of condolences were also released from President Barack Obama, Sen. John McCain, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Secretary of State John Kerry, and other politicians.
It was Kayla who had the last word, though.
Along with their personal family statement, the Mueller family also released a handwritten letter from Kayla that they received in 2014. It was written sometime after Nov. 2, 2014, though the exact date is not known.
The letter is largely about Kayla’s unwavering faith and hope for her family’s well being and positive outlook, despite the tremendous hardship of their “forced separation.”
“I have come to a place in experience where, in every sense of the word, I have surrendered myself to our creator b/c literally there was no else…+ by God + by your prayers I have felt myself tenderly cradled in freefall,” reads the letter in part.
Her words also show that she was a positive person, despite her difficult circumstances.
“I have come to see that there is good in every situation, sometimes we just have to look,” she wrote.
Mueller also directly asked her family not to negotiate for her release, but to find other ways to help her get home, “even if it takes more time.” She finished with words of strength and solidarity with her family that shine through, even knowing that she did not ultimately survive.
“I know you would want me to remain strong,” wrote Kayla. “That is exactly what I am doing. Do not fear for me, continue to pray.”
The full text of Kayla’s letter can be seen here and the family’s statement on her death can be seen here.
