The Girl Who Never Gave Up

Hey, my friend,

Today’s story is about Elizabeth Smart.

She was just fourteen years old when she was taken from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, one night in 2002.

A man abducted her and kept her captive for nine months.

During that time, she was moved from house to house and even taken into the mountains.

She was threatened and forced to do things no child should ever face.

She was separated from her family and had to live with constant fear.

Despite everything, Elizabeth found ways to survive. She remembered her family and imagined the day she would be back with them.

She refused to give up on herself and held on to the idea that she could get through this.

Those choices helped her endure months that must have felt impossible.

In March 2003, after a tip from a member of the public, Elizabeth was rescued and reunited with her family.

It was a moment full of relief and emotion, but her journey did not end there.

She worked to recover from the trauma she had faced and decided to speak about her experience.

Today, she advocates for other survivors of abduction and trauma.

She helps create programs to support victims and their families, works with law enforcement and policymakers to improve safety, and raises awareness about child safety and missing children.

She also travels to speak at schools, events, and conferences, encouraging people to stand up for themselves and others.

Now Elizabeth uses her story to teach that even after the worst situations, life can be rebuilt, and people can find purpose in helping others.

And, I hope you’ll keep that in mind, my friend.

That is it for today, and I’ll see you on Monday.

Take care,
Prasad Mairale
Petals of Positivity 🌸