FREE ESSAY ON TRIUMPH OR TRAGEDY

TRIUMPH OR TRAGEDY

"Never, never, never give up", was coined by Sir Winston Churchill. This quote holds more
meaning than could ever be put into words. Everyday we are faced with obstacles that
occur in our lives. How we manage these everyday occurrences make us not only who we are,
but also who we hope to become. Nineteen hundred eight six was an exceptional year filled
with triumph and tragedy. May I never forget lessons learned and innocence lost. Tragic
events do not preclude tragic outcomes. 
Leaving home was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do at the age of seventeen. For
seventeen years I lived in the small ranch style house. I always dreamed of leaving, but
never thought the time would come. Finally it was here. The day was bright, beautiful and
warm. Fall, in Ohio, can only be described as breathtaking. Orange, red and yellow leaves
fluttered effortlessly to the ground. Long forgotten nests from the spring, now swayed in
the gentle breeze. Beneath the tree, leaves lay scattered. Next door, the smell of fresh
cut green grass filled the air. A two-door blue Escort sat in the driveway. Inside, an
overnight bag and a small, brown box of pots and pans sat in the front seat. Behind the
passenger seat, an old TV was covered in blankets, along with more boxes and luggage. 
From the car, I slowly made my way back to the garage. My dad stood there watching,
waiting. His smooth, shaven face in no way revealed his age. At five foot eleven, my dad
wasn't exactly short. However, if I stood on my tiptoes, I could still see his eyes.
Bright, green eyes, sad and wet, stared back at me. "Dad, can you think of anything I'm
forgetting?", I whispered. "No.", he replied, "Do you have any idea where you might be
staying the first night?", Shaking my head, "No. It will all depend on how tired we are.
But I'll call you." "Well then", he said, "you best get going. I don't want you driving
after dark. And be careful!" "I will.", I said while crying into his chest. Tears
blurring my vision, I slipped into my car, quickly driving out of the driveway. Although
few words were spoken, volumes were said. Three days, two breakdowns, and twelve hundred
thirty-four miles later, we safely arrived in Carrollton, Texas. This was the beginning
of the end.
Though Texas seemed far away, I still found time to phone home. I began making Texas my
home. Moving with three friends from school, made the transition easier. Joe, an athletic
runner, was the oldest; and, C.J., a mama's boy, also came along for the promise of a new
beginning. We moved into a three-bedroom townhouse located near a green belt and only
seven miles from work. With training completed, a routine developed as we settled into
our new jobs. C.J. and I bought the groceries; while, Joe cleaned the house. Months went
by and everything was going smoothly. Meanwhile, I had started to date again. 
Dating Dave, a computer programmer, was a new experience for me. First, he was older.
Second, he acted older. Dave was tall, slender and the first person I ever dated with a
moustache. Deep, green eyes appeared as emeralds under his long, brown eyelashes. Cut
short at the neck, his silky, brown hair smelled fresh and clean. Recently moving from
Pennsylvania, we began to hit it off immediately. U We talked about home, work and
anything else that came to mind. He was charming, easy going, and nothing seemed to
agitate him. Before I knew it, we were talking about getting a place of our own.
As a result, Dave and I signed a lease for our new apartment. U With Labor Day just
around the corner, Dave's parents decided to come for a visit. Before their arrival I
wanted to make sure everything was perfect. I cleaned the house, purchased new plants,
and even rented new furniture. The only thing left to do was ask Joe to take care of my
dog for the week. Joe was the only one I would trust with Cagney, my cocker spaniel.
Cagney, a gift from Joe, was my baby. Although not a guard dog, she was my sentinel.
Black as the night, only the whites of her eyes could be seen and the sound of her collar
could be heard. Later that day I called Joe. "Joe," I asked, " I know it's been awhile
since we've talked; but I have a favor. Do you think you could watch Cagney for me?
Dave's parents are coming into town next week?" "Sure", he answered, "for how long?"
"About a week. If that's too long, let me know", I said. "Not a problem at all, why don't
you bring her by after work on Friday.", he said. "Ok, thanks! See ya later!", I replied.

Before I knew it, Friday had come. After work, I buzzed home, picked up Cagney, and
headed to my old apartment. Traffic was not too bad, so I made it with time to spare. As
I parked the car, Joe met me at my car. "How's it going?" he asked. "Cool", I said, "I'm
just really nervous. I want everything to be perfect." "Guess what? When you move into an
apartment now, they are giving away two free champagne glasses and a bottle of
champagne." he added. "No way!" I responded. "Yeah, do you want a set?" Joe countered.
"Sure, where are they?" I asked. "Over here, follow me." he whispered. I followed Joe
across the greenbelt to the empty apartment. The grass was wet and the streetlights had
just turned on. People were walking their dogs; still others were running. A few moments
later we were at the sliding glass door to an empty apartment. Joe opened the door and
true to his word there were two champagne glasses, a bottle of champagne and a warm Thank
You note from the apartment complex. Reaching over the bar, he handed me the glasses and
champagne. "Enjoy!" he said. I placed the bottle of bubbly under one arm and the slender
flutes in my left hand. As I turned to leave Joe started to open the sliding glass door
for me. 
However, instead of opening the door, I heard a click. Puzzled, I looked at Joe and said,
"What's up?" "Why did you leave?" he asked. "Leave where?" I questioned. "Me", he said. I
replied, "I didn't leave you. I don't understand. What do you mean?" My voice was
starting to quiver and hands were starting to tremble. Wild thoughts were racing through
my mind. Oh my God, what was happening? No, no, I thought, Joe is my friend. We went to
school together, moved across country together and worked at the same company. The quiet
of the apartment now became deafening. Darkness enveloped the apartment. "What do you
want?" I shrieked. No response. Joe looked cool and composed as he silently approached
me. Frozen, I could not move. Did I know what was going to happen? I am not sure. Before
I knew what happened I was lying on my back. The champagne glasses no longer under my
arm, but broken beneath me. Kicking violently, I writhed trying to break free from his
overpowering clutches. Nothing seemed to be working. A warm, burning sensation emanated
from my back. Struggling, I felt his large, muscular hands encircle my neck. As the smell
of freshly cleaned carpet emerged, I could hear myself desperately gasping for air. Not
knowing if this would be my last breath.
When I awoke, I was alone. Clutching my neck, I slowly sat up. Violently shaking, I
quickly glanced around the room. Still trying to focus, the dimly lit room offered no
comfort. To the right, the champagne bottle had rolled into the kitchen. My back was
burning and my shirt was sticking to me. At my feet, lay my shorts and panties. I had no
concept of what time it was. Jumping to my feet, I hastily pulled up my clothes and ran
to my car. Trembling, I tried to unlock my car. But it was no use it wouldn't open.
Finally, I got my key in the door and hopped in. I am not sure how I made it home, but I
did.
Running into the house, I was barraged with nothing but questions. "Where were you? What
took so long? Why didn't you call?", frantically Dave declared. I fell into the corner
crying. Sobs wracked my body; I could not catch my breath. Abruptly, Dave pulled me to my
feet. "Are you ok?", he gasped. "Don't tell anyone about this. Do you hear me? I mean it,
don't tell anyone.", I declared. Carefully, Dave helped me to the shower. The hot water
stung my back. Swirls of steam clouded the mirror as I slowly sank to the bottom of the
bathtub. My head was pounding. It felt as though I had been run over by a freight train.
I just wanted this night to end.
Little did I know, my night was not going to end there. Nine months later I gave birth to
a beautiful baby girl. I named her Sarah Ja'net. Right or wrong, I never told Joe about
the baby. Determined to make the best for Sarah, I chose to marry Dave. Knowing the
circumstances of her conception, he willingly, without reserve, adopted Sarah. Looking at
my baby girl in no way reminds me of that fateful night. Everyday I thank God for my
precious gift. One violent act will not deter me from doing what is best for Sarah. This
child did not ask to be brought into this world. Feelings of helplessness, embarrassment
and fear no longer control my life. Being a survivor is my focus. Tragic events