Triumph of the human spirit. I first came across that phrase when I worked for the Johnstown Area Heritage Association years ago. It’s something that really stuck with me. People are so much stronger than they think and braver than they can imagine. I truly believe that.

Once again there is tragedy in the headlines. It seems like that keeps happening more and more often. And as heart-wrenching and scary as it all is, I know that we’ll get through it. I know that, as hard and as horrible as it is, people will learn to go on. I know that the injured and the grieving will be surrounded by love and support for as long as they need it. Because that’s what we do.

Sure, people can be self-absorbed and mean. But, when push comes to shove, those same people band together to help one another. Be it a single car accident or a national tragedy, people will stand beside those who need help and find ways surprise you. They go out-of-the-way to help. While so much focus is on the evil around tragedy the real story is the people who rush in to fill the void.

The first responders who rush in when others rush out. The nurses and doctors and medical staff who care for broken bodies. The special people who care for broken hearts. Then there are the thousands around the world who pray, send money and do a thousand other things to help. It’s the triumph of the human spirit…to hang on, to go on, to rebuild, to not just survive but to find a way to thrive again.

In the face of unspeakable evil, debilitating illness and seemingly insurmountable challenges, my money is on the amazing people to triumph every time.