[ WP ] After the sudden loss of his fiancee , he left everything behind and hitchhiked across the country . Three people he met along the way helped him find closure and purpose in unexpected ways .

It had been a year, a year of tears and `` why why why'' asked late at night, not understanding why the love and light of his life had been extinguished. He traced the years of her life, and her name while quietly whispering it. `` Charlene, it's been real hard babe. I do n't think I can stay here any longer. Now do n't think I'm going to do anything stupid, you know that's not how I am. But babe, like I said, it's time I see the world.'' He gently placed the peonys on her grave, her favorite flower, touched his fingers to his lips in a kiss and planted the kiss on her grave marker. He stood, blinking back the tears that burned behind his eyes and swallowed hugely. `` I'll be back my love,'' he said as he hitched his backpack and sleeping role to his back. 
 He walked along the shoulder of the road for a few miles, lost in thought, then stuck out his thumb. Cars passed, and some slowed, but none stopped. Then an older woman in a beautifully restored Model T pulled over. `` Come along,'' she called. `` We've many miles to travel, and not so much time.'' 
 Charity was her name, and she was charitible indeed. She talked as she drove, and he listened, thrilled by the stories of her life. `` I have 9 children, 30, grandchildren, 58, great grandchildren, and a set of twins, my first great-great grandbabies, due sometime in the next two weeks. `` She loved talking about her family, and his heart yearned to start his own family. 
 They drove 150 miles together, him mostly silent except to ask questions when it was appropriate. 
 `` I'd take you further love, but I've a car show to attend.'' 
 `` Thank you so much Charity. My heart is lighter because I met you.'' 
 Before she let him leave, she gave him the fiercest hug he'd had since Charlenes' funeral, and when she pulled away, he saw her eyes were shining with unshed tears. `` Be good dear boy. Hang on.'' 
 He wandered around the carshow for perhaps and hour, then felt the pull to be going again. 
 Again he walked, and again his thumb went out. The next person to pick him up was a young lady on her way to college after spring-break. `` Hop in man!'' She smiled widely at him, and the warmpth that flowed out made it impossible not to smile back. `` Hope you do n't mind my singing. It keeps me going!'' He did n't, and she had a lovely voice. `` I'm Claire. What's your name?'' 
 `` Daniel.'' 
 `` You been hitching long?'' 
 He smiled again. `` No, today is my first day.'' 
 `` How long are you gon na hitch then?'' 
 `` I suppose until I need to get back home. I made a promise.'' 
 She nodded, then turned up the volume to an apparent favorite song. `` What does n't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller''... 
 He felt the words wash over him, as if the singer had written them just for him. 
 `` Good song,'' he commented. 
 `` It is. Makes me feel strong when I feel weak. Know what I mean?'' 
 `` I do.'' 
 She let him off at a McDonalds, along with 10 dollars so he could eat. `` Be careful dude. Safe journey!'' 
 `` And to you Claire. Good luck with your studies!'' 
 She beamed brightly, and he beamed back at her. She just had that feel-good vibe about her. 
 After dinner, he scouted out the area and found a camping spot. The next morning he was up early, still feeling the need to go, go, go. 
 A middle aged man on his way to a business conference picked him up, and talked about his family, his job, and how he was planning something special for his 25th wedding anniversary. `` My wife, she's gon na be blown away. She's always wanted to see Alaska, so I figured why not go on a cruise. It's good to see different things, different people. I have a feeling she's gon na love it.'' 
 `` I hope so too,'' said Daniel. He stayed in the mans' car for the whole morning, enjoying the company of one who was happy. 
 And finally, a week later, he decided to head home. He'd learned that bad things happen, but you have to move on. Maybe you never `` get over'' them, but eventually you have to heal, or the past will consume you.
