If you’re going through it right now, reach out, reach up, throw your net out.

An amazing story from Reddit

On May 18th, 2020, I left my abusive husband with assistance from the police, with only a backpack and a couple hundred dollars to my name. I left without a car, in a state with no friends or family, no job, the only thing I had was my cellphone and a change of clothes.

I’m divorcing him without a lawyer because I don’t have money for a retainer - I’m currently in a transitional housing center for battered women and studying law so I can have a fighting chance. There’s more to the story, of course, but who cares? I got out.

I’m the time since leaving my ex I’ve learned to hustle out of necessity. Need to eat? Well, better find a way to make some money. During my past life of abuse, my circle became smaller and smaller until it was just he and I. I’ve cast my net out as wide as possible and it’s paying off!

I always wanted to learn how do it, to feel the freedom and connection and to be present with my surroundings. I had a scooter in college, but I rode it once and dropped it, and that was the end of that story. I’m out here, unemployed, still recovering physically and emotionally, and it’s time to get my life together.

I reached out to my local town’s motorcycle clubs on FB, and put the word out, much like I am doing here and now. I asked if anyone could teach me how to ride. Maybe not even that far, just be a motorcycle friend - someone to talk to and learn from. When the time comes, when my life is back on track, to be a dad or big brother or aunt or sister that’ll come with me to look at a bike.

Would you believe me if I said over 300 people responded? If you had asked me 6 months ago if I believed 3 people cared about me, I would have said no. I wept then, when I got message after message of support.

Among those were a scary looking Harley couple - scary to someone who grew up sheltered and is generally afraid of people now. They gifted me with basic (well) used gear. I have pants and a jacket and gloves and a slightly-too-small helmet now. She and I happen to be the same size and shape too - tall, skinny, long arms. I hit a thrift store at the luckiest time and managed to get a pair of leather harness boots in my size for a deep discount, too!

You’ll never guess what happened today. She drove over, picked me up, and we went to a parking lot.

I have been watching video after video, living through the eyes of others. One day, maybe? Can I do it? Im too stupid and clumsy and it’s too hard and I’ll screw it up and mess up her bike and I’ll lose her and lose everything, may as well politely decline and save myself the trouble.

You guys. I DROVE IT. I didn’t kill the engine, I didn’t stall, I didn’t fall over. I shifted gears too. I downshifted, slowed, stopped. I got up to 30mph and felt like I was going 90.

If that’s not enough, she gifted me her 2003 Honda nighthawk 250. She gifted me a freakin motorcycle. It’s an air cooled twin. She told me that it’s mine now, and signed the bill of sale and title. She signed me up for an MSF course on Thursday. I have never owned anything in my life, free and clear. Anything I took as a gift was paid for over and over.

I didn’t know what to say, and I still don’t. I’m typing this with tears streaming down my face and it’s something I will never, ever, ever forget. I want everyone to know, if you’re going through it, reach out and reach up. I was teetering on the edge just a few short weeks ago - either my husband was finally going to kill me, or I would have to run at my next chance.

Whoever is reading this, if you remember me, or this post, and you need help... I’ll be there for you and do whatever I can to give you some of the light that has been shown on me. I may not be able to for the next while, but I’ll be here for you.