Adversity & Triumph

Running to catch the bus, Carly glanced behind, thankful she was not being followed. She hopped on, relieved to see that the bus was almost empty. Knowing the bruises were already starting to form, she grabbed a seat in the first empty row to avoid any unwanted attention.

With no destination in mind, Carly sat alone with her thoughts. “How can he tell me that he loves me one moment and then hit me without the slightest provocation? How am I ever going to get away from him when I barely have enough change for bus fare? Why am I so weak?”

Thoughts of her painful past and uncertain future swirled in her mind for the greater part of an hour, until her stomach growled bringing her back to the present. She cautiously looked around to see if anyone had noticed, but the sound had gone undetected.

When Carly shifted in her seat, her eyes fell upon a small black notebook on the seat beside her. She picked up the book and gently opened the leather cover. Inside, she found the owner’s contact information.

Carly picked up her cell to call the phone number, but realized that the address was only a couple of blocks away. Carly pulled the cord to request a stop, and stepped off the bus with a sense of purpose.

Passing a street vendor, Carly’s stomach growled violently. She desperately wished she could have grabbed something from the kitchen before she had bolted from the apartment. She didn’t know how she would afford her next meal.

Undeterred, Carly continued her journey. When she arrived at the address listed, she mustered her courage, walked up the steps to the large brownstone, knocked on the front door, and took a few steps back.

After what seemed an eternity, a petite elderly woman cautiously opened the door. Carly knew that she was looking rough. She bowed her head slightly and held out the notebook. Daring to glance back at the woman, she saw tears starting to form in the old woman’s eyes.

The woman reverently reached for the notebook and whispered her gratitude for its safe return. She wiped her eyes and turned for the door. Carly started to leave, but a voice choking back tears stopped her. “Do you want to come in for a bite to eat?”

Carly turned back upon hearing the voice. “Thank you. That’s not necessary.” As she said these words, Carly’s stomach growled, betraying her. The elderly woman smiled and Carly gratefully followed her inside.

Once Carly’s hunger had been satisfied, she thanked the woman for the meal and stood to take her leave.

“There is still the matter of the reward, my dear.”

“Reward? Joining you for this fine meal has been the highlight of my day, and more than enough payment.”

“And yet, a reward will be paid.” After making this declaration, the matronly woman reached for her pocketbook, drafted a check, and handed it to Carly.

Carly looked down and could not believe her eyes. The check was made out for $20,000. It was Carly’s turn to cry.

“I cannot accept this! It is too much!”

“Please accept the reward. This book is very valuable to me. This book contains stories written by various women going back generations. It reminds me of the adversity seen and overcome, and that all came through their trials stronger than ever.

Something tells me that you are going through something similar right now. Take this opportunity to make a new start, write it all down, and share your story with those in need.”

From that point forward, Carly followed her benefactor’s advice to the letter. She left the abusive relationship that had kept her oppressed for far too long, and sought solace and healing in a support group. She wrote her story of adversity and triumph and shared her story with the world.

The reward gave Carly the funds to get on her feet, but the words of encouragement gave her the courage.

If you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out.

If you have triumphed over adversity, share your story. Others desperately need to hear it.

We are stronger together.