On January 20, 2013, my sisters and I were walking around in San Luis when we came across this adorable little boho boutique that we just had to stop in. As my sisters were digging through the racks of clothes, I was browsing at the jewelry counter near the register. My eyes instantly fell upon these beautiful key necklaces. I picked one up and realised that each had a lovely word on the back, then noticed a little card next to the display that explained what these captivating little keys were. Hearing the story behid the keys, I knew I had to have one. I loved them all, but ultimately chose one that said 'Courage'. The word was so dear to me because I am in a part of my life where I am supposed to be deciding what direction I am going to take and I have no idea what path is right for me. It can feel so intimidating to stand on the precibus of life knowing that you are going to have to take the plunge into the unknown when you feel so unprepared. Feeling great about my choice, I purchased the key and immediately secured it around my neck, feeling like I would keep it until I decided what to do with my life and would eventually give it to someone who needed courage as much I did. I wore it every single day, vowing to never take it off until I met the person who would inherit it. I didn't know that my plans for this key would be altered so soon after buying it. Just two weeks after I bought my courage, I learned that my dear young cousin was going through a very difficult time. At only 13 years old, she was battleing troubles that most adults never have to deal with. Although trying her best, she often felt like she was sinking further and further into a dark depression and couldn't find the light. Upon hearing her story, I knew that this little girl needed courage far more than I. Suddenly, I knew that my courage key was destined to be hers. I arranged to meet up with her and was shocked by the lonely, hollow look in her eyes. I took her in my arms and gave her the biggest and most sincere hug that I could manage, then explained why I wanted to meet up with her. I showed her my magical little key, explaining it's purpose and detailing how much courage and happiness it brought me in just the short amount of time I was lucky enough to wear it. Then I told her I wanted her to have it, that I think I stumbled into that random little boho boutique because God sent me there to retrieve that key for her. I watched as a tiny little spark appeared in her eye as she took the key from my hand. She peered down at it, turning the key over in her dainty hand and running a delicate finger over the letters one at a time,C-o-u-r-a-g-e. Then she looked at me and said, "You don't know how much this means to me. I have been praying for courage for months now." I helped her secure the necklace around her neck on February 9, 2013.
- Courtney
