ORIGIN QUEST ARTICLE “PERSEVERANCE” - 6/16/25
"Perseverance”
There are many positive qualities that make up the human spirit, virtues we rely on to thrive. One such element I have always found to be laudable is perseverance, the ability to push through adversity and to succeed despite the odds.
In the Endless Quest book, Dungeon of Dread, we meet Caric, a human fighter who encounters Laurus, a halfling that tells of recently being a prisoner of the evil wizard Kalman. Laurus tells us of a dungeon filled with danger, traps, and monsters, but also with great treasure. Lured by the promise of fame and fortune, Caric agrees to accompany the halfling back to the dungeon.
As we make read the book, we make choices that lead Caric through the dungeon, avoiding traps, defeating monsters, defying overwhelming odds. Defeating a water weird, a basilisk, and eventually a shape shifting Kalman in the final confrontation, you stand triumphant, you and Laurus unlock the treasure room and collect your prize.
This book showed me the benefits of perseverance at a young age, that navigating through troubles while a reward in and of itself, is not the only one that we may receive. The human spirit is indomitable if only we have the will to not give up. We all face our hardships, our own demons that we must fight in order to move on. Perseverance is that fighting spirit that fuels us, seeing us through whatever life throws at us, allows us to smile at times when normally we would walk away because it is the easier path.
We have a friend in the community that is currently facing his own personal storm. Perseverance saw him through a dark, uncertain and fearful fight against a life threatening ailment. Now a year later, he has been told his battle is not over. He's a fighter, like Caric, despite the odds he is not giving up and he is giving it everything he has to come out the other side. His spirit, his tenacity is an example to us all. I admire him and his courage inspires me, reminding me just how small and insignificant the trivial trials of everyday life are in comparison to what he faces. I am honored to know him. Never give up my friend.
