I told her the only thing that mattered was that she felt safe moving forward.
Two weeks later, I learned she’d made it home safely, reunited with her mom, and started rebuilding her life. Over time, she settled into a new path—one focused on supporting others. She trained to become a social worker and now helps people experiencing the kind of stress and isolation she once felt herself.
She sometimes sends small updates—photos, notes, and a picture of her car with a full tank.
I shared her story with my riding group. Someone said, “Sometimes the right words at the right moment make all the difference.”
And it’s true.
You never know what someone is carrying. A small gesture—a full tank of gas, a simple question—can open a door they’ve been too afraid to reach for.
Sometimes the greatest strength we have is the willingness to notice when someone needs kindness.
