On July 1, 2013, a man and a woman struck up a conversation while shopping at Second Chance Thrift Store. One year later, Lawrence Bradley snuck into the thrift store to hide roses and a card for his sweetheart, Edith Riley to find after their prearranged “anniversary” lunch date in town.
“I had a premonition that I would meet someone special that day,” recalls Bradley of that fateful shopping day last year. Riley, who had volunteered at Second Chance after having used the services of Steps to HOPE to help her break free from an abusive relationship, says of Bradley “He was the nicest man, very easy to talk to. We waited 5 days to go out on our first date – a boat cruise on Lake Lure.” While it rained that day, Bradley says it is reputed to bring good luck to brides so he saw it as a good sign.
Riley, a native of Lima, Peru, is a CMA in Hendersonville studying for her nursing degree, and is a licensed Instructor in Zumba and Piloxing. She hopes to volunteer again at the thrift store one day soon, hoping to give back to the people who helped her and were so welcoming.
“I wish women wouldn’t be quiet about the domestic abuse they are living with like I was for such a long time,” shares Riley. Her message to women living with domestic violence: “Let Steps to HOPE help. The people there are so friendly and helpful. It’s a very good place to go. The people at the store and the shelter are like family to me.”

– article submitted
by Debra Backus