Dear Gabby,

Gabrielle

Photo by Ava Sol on Unsplash

Gabby Petito was more than what happened to her. Like so many of us, she was just trying to find her way through this world, trying to work things out as she went along through her life. A familiar issue to us all, there is a lesson in leaving and understanding when it’s time to quit.

Knowing when to leave, when to get out, could be considered a fine art. The talent comes naturally to some, but others may spend years, or even a lifetime learning exactly how it’s done. Some things will never work out, and that’s just how it is sometimes. Gabby may have been thinking about walking away, leaving, getting out, but it wasn’t soon enough.

We did not know Gabby personally, but we are left with images of her infectious smile. The accounts of those who knew her suggest it was very easy to adore her. She took a leap of faith with a vote of confidence in herself and pursued her vlog concept. She had hopes, dreams, and a plan of action. Gabby Petito was so much more than what happened to her.

I’m not going to focus on the last day of her life, how it ended. I’m going to remember that some women find it difficult to leave, despite the clues, the red flags, the evidence. I’m going to remind them, leaving may be the only thing that will save your life, and only you have the power to do that. I’m going to think of the hundreds of thousands of…