Jenny Sanford's statement
Text of the statement South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford issued on Thursday, breaking two days of silence that followed her husband's most recent revelations to The Associated Press about his extramarital affair:
Jenny Sanford
The last week has been very painful for me, my family and for the people of South Carolina. However, throughout this terrible ordeal, the incredible outpouring of kindness, support, and prayer I've received from countless friends and folks I have never even met has been truly uplifting.
I appreciate that more than I can say. Please know that my sons and I are doing fine, given the circumstances. We are surrounded by friends and family, and we will make it through this. I believe it is how we respond to the challenges we face in life, and what we learn from them, that is most telling about who we truly are.
There is no question that Mark's behavior is inexcusable. Actions have consequences, and he will be dealing with those consequences for a long while. Trust has been broken and will need to be rebuilt. Mark will need to earn back that trust, first and foremost with his family, and also with the people of South Carolina.
Press release
The real issue now is one of forgiveness. I am willing to forgive Mark for his actions. We have been deeply disappointed in and even angry at Mark. The Bible says, "In your anger do not sin" (Psalm 4:4).
In this situation, this speaks to the essence of forgiveness and the critical need to channel one's energy into positive steps that uphold the dignity of marriage and the family, and lead to reconciliation over time. My forgiveness is essential for us both to move on with our lives, with peace, in whatever direction that may take us.
Desmond Tutu said "forgiveness is the grace by which you enable the other person to get up, and get up with dignity, to begin anew." Forgiveness opens the door for Mark to begin to work privately, humbly and respectfully toward reconciliation with me. However, to achieve true reconciliation will take time, involve repentance, and will not be easy.
Mark showed a lack of judgment in his recent actions as governor. However, his far more egregious offenses were committed against God, the institutions of marriage and family, our boys and me.
Mark has stated that his intent and determination is to save our marriage, and to make amends to the people of South Carolina. I hope he can make good on those intentions, and for the sake of our boys I leave the door open to it.
In that spirit of forgiveness, it is up to the people and elected officials of South Carolina to decide whether they will give Mark another chance as well.
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smp (anonymous) says...
In that spirit of forgiveness, it is up to the people and elected officials of South Carolina to decide whether they will give Mark another chance as well.
Nope. Chances are over.
July 3, 2009 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blackwoman (anonymous) says...
Very eloquent Mrs. Sanford but this family is done with him. He is a laughing stock.
July 3, 2009 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
You can forgive but can you forget Mrs. Sanford?
Every time he is late or unreachable the old nagging question will rear its ugly head.
July 3, 2009 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rld1771 (anonymous) says...
So take a letter Maria.....address it to my wife....say I won't be coming home, gonna start a new life....sing it wid me
July 3, 2009 at 8:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Puzzled (anonymous) says...
As a former press secretary may I add some advice to the Sanford family? Well, I'm going to anyway. I suggest public statements concerning the Governor's behavior stop. Governor - your only function now can be to keep the legislature in check with your veto power. Just be the governor. Mrs. Sanford - you owe no statement. There is absolutely no reason to air the personal laundry. It serves no purpose. Tongues will wag regardless. And if by chance you are attempting to forge a basis for forgiveness for you husband by the legislature and the people - let it go. It doesn't matter how well you scrape burnt toast - it's burnt.
July 3, 2009 at 8:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lois_Lane (anonymous) says...
realamerican - you make a good point. That nagging question hangs over your head every time he's "late" or you "don't know where he is" when you decide to "work things out", til death do you part. It's the hardest thing to overcome. There may be forgiveness, but one never forgets.
July 3, 2009 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eds777 (anonymous) says...
Mrs. Sanford's grace under fire speaks volumes concerning her faith! I pray the governor comes to truly understand the incredible jewel of a wife he still has, and does everything in his power to demonstrate his repentance for his gross immorality, and his concern toward reconciliation with his wife and his family!
July 3, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jagolet (anonymous) says...
Jenny sounds like an awesome person. The matter is that this type of behavior is so rampant in the world. Mark is being singled out and lynched. Let him make his own decisions about his personal life and let him and Jenny desolve it themselves on a personal level. In my opinion, where the heart takes a person has absolutely nothing to do with their ability to govern or anything else one endeavors in the road of life. A happy heart produces higher accomplishments.
July 3, 2009 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatelseisthere (anonymous) says...
Ms. Sanford, a lady knows better then to air her dirty laundry, no matter who you are.
July 3, 2009 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DollLady (anonymous) says...
What happens if after Mark tries and he can't fall back in love with Jenny? Is there a backup plan?
July 3, 2009 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoelaces (anonymous) says...
Puzzled.....I am with you. The governor needs to end all discussion and move on with doing his job. All parties involved need to envoke silence and move on.
July 3, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
YankeeLady (anonymous) says...
Forgiveness in this circumstance is very high-minded, but it doesn't mean you have to resume the marriage. She doesn't have to hate him, but why go back to a situation where he's publicly called his paramour his soulmate, and gone on about her physical attributes in emails? Regardless of what we all think, however, we don't walk in her shoes.
July 3, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Yeah baby beat this to a pulp...yawn
July 3, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
technous (anonymous) says...
Enough with the religious, the faith and the prayers. Those things do not work and are as hypocritical as the individuals that use them. Do not have pity for her and her children but save it for people and children that are really suffering in the world and our country. These kids have their bills paid forever, jobs guaranteed and are already in the most expensive and prestigious private school so they are set, independent on what their parents are doing with their marital life. Sanford should be removed immediately as he cannot be trusted to serve us even though his replacement will be another joke to South Carolina. Enough with the praying and the holy books; is really annoying.
July 3, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
Puzzled, good advice!
DollLady - Excellent question!
July 3, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
yawwwnnnn... who cares, Sanford's washed up by his own unraveling and someone wants to hold his wife up high??
call Dr. Phil and give the rest of us a break from this story... or better yet, had someone called Dr. Ruth a cpl yrs ago we might not have had a story... lol
like a good dog yank his crank a little more often Mrs and he probably wouldn't stray
July 3, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Margarita (anonymous) says...
***In that spirit of forgiveness, it is up to the people and elected officials of South Carolina to decide whether they will give Mark another chance as well.***
Actually Jenny, the problem is, that it's NOT being left up to us! 70% of the constituants in polls want him gone, over half GOP senators and 6 area newspapers have called for him to resign but he WON'T. There is a three step plan in place to "make this all go away" and you are being complicent in it. Tom Davis was behind closed doors with Sanford and his Washington advisors who decided that if they 1) got Sanford to shut up 2) Got SLED to say he didn't misuse funds and 3) Got Jenny to say she'd forgive him (2 & 3 hit the paper within minutes of each other on Thurs, BRILLIANT)
I do understand that you have put many years of blood, sweat and money into his political career and it would be like you losing it too for him to go but no self respecting woman would take a man after what he has done to you publicly and privately because many of us in the area are well aware that you have been aware of Mark's "indescretions" for a LONG time and not just internationally! Perhaps some women in Columbia? A certain Doctor's wife or a certain dance teacher?
You had my respect until you decided to play along with the plan to make this all go away so that Andre Bauer is not Governor. Now I belive you deserve each other and everything that will come to you both here and in the afterlife.
July 3, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SallyClyde (anonymous) says...
Take it from someone who has been there, Jenny. You will never be able to forget and forgiveness can only go so far when it comes to an unfaithful spouse, not even for a practicing Christian. I think the people of South Carolina understand this, and regardless of technous' post, South Carolinians are a religious lot who fully understand why you are quoting scripture. South Carolinians are also realistic.
While we might think it best for Mark Sanford to resign, the prospect of having Andre Bower step into his shoes for a year is a bit more revolting that having a "carousing rascal" as governor. Perhaps it is better to wait for the election for a replacement.
July 3, 2009 at 12:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
she's definitely jumped the shark... sounds more like Hillary Clinton everyday
July 3, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
s_anonymous (anonymous) says...
what if our society/culture is saturated with
sex, relationship, & romance addictions?
I am experiencing life-changing support & strength
through a 12-step program.
re: authentic acceptance/forgiveness
- one book resource:
How Can I Forgive You?:
The Courage To Forgive, the Freedom Not To
by Janis A. Spring
July 3, 2009 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
k5 (anonymous) says...
My my what glass houses we live in to throw stones!!! Puzzled said it best!! Enough is enough - its over and done - time to move on! Do we want the alternative or do we want to move our State beyond his private life?
July 3, 2009 at 3:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
Re: "Where the heart takes a person has absolutely nothing to do with their ability to govern or anything else one endeavors in the road of life."
With all due respect, I disagree. Character is everything. My heart wants me to follow that good-looking man I just saw leaving Publix. My head says, "Shut up, fool! Go home to your husband who stands by you through thick and thin."
See? It's easy.
July 3, 2009 at 6:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Sandy37 (anonymous) says...
I wonder how Jenny is going to feel while making love to a man who is hog tied with rouge scratchy rope and dreaming of far off Argentina. It will only cause heartache and bitterness. She already looks and acts bitter. I lived in a loveless marriage for years and it has consequences to your health, but I was financially tied and there were children. She has a choice.
July 3, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker (anonymous) says...
Mrs. Sanford,
He said he met his soul mate, and it is not you.
Please be careful.
July 3, 2009 at 8:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
hahahaha walleyed... I have to agree with you
July 3, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
All this bible christian morality nutjobbery BS. Sad.
July 3, 2009 at 11:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chicago_Thug (anonymous) says...
TheFamilyValueParty, your comment is sick and cowardly. You are an obvious bozo, addressing Ms Sanford, like that. She did nothing wrong. What kind of weak parasite are you feeding off of other peoples misery?
July 4, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chicago_Thug (anonymous) says...
What ever, and actually, it isnt funny it is proof positive that you, TheFamilyValueParty, are the atypical cowardly scum that has zero decency or honor.
What is funny, is how hard you try to be what you are naturally, an obvious loser with a lack of intestinal fortitude to face any number of the commenters you assualt on the boards; a simple coward with keyboard bravado.
You just hide there in your little perverted world and seek out satisfaction by attacking a lady that has already endured enough embarrassment. Your comments are a spot light on your morally reprehensible soul.
If you are the same old troll that blackreign posted you are, you will be gone again soon. Sad thing is, I think you like that. Pretty inadequate as a man arent you?
July 4, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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