Fate and Circumstance

     Have you ever wondered how a specific circumstance has affected the fate of an event? This thought has always fascinated me.

     Every single day each of us make choices that can impact our lives or others in a small way or it could have a major life changing impact.

     Just imagine going to your local ice cream shop and looking forward to getting your all-time favorite; vanilla ice cream. You always get vanilla because you just know it is simply the best flavor ever discovered. You love it so much you even named your dog Vanilla!

     When you get there, the only flavor they have left is strawberry. Now you have a real predicament as this is the very last day to use your free ice cream cone coupon. Given the circumstance, you decide, "what the heck, I'll try some Strawberry ice cream". WOW! What an event! Now you can't wait to get home to celebrate by renaming your dog Strawberry after your new favorite flavor.

     This is just a simple, fun example of how circumstances can affect everyday fate in our lives.

     I hope to engage you, the reader, in not only reading and hopefully commenting on my stories, but to encourage you to share at least one of yours.

     Sometimes when life is overwhelming, it's a nice distraction to ponder both small and large events in our lives. It can also help us to find purpose in an event that offers encouragement, hope or even just a little comedic relief.

     Recently, I lost a very dear friend of mine. We literally worked side by side every day and would often have discussions about how interesting life was and how we as humans are all interconnected and can at times impact even a strangers' life in our daily actions.

     In memory of him, I can't think of a more appropriate first story of circumstantial fate than the one of  how he came into my life and ended up being one of the most positively influential people and best friends I've ever had.

     I moved to Virginia in January of 2006. Within a month, my elderly cat, Skippy, had developed a sore spot on the side of his face and was sneezing profusely.

     Not knowing the area well, I drove to the only vets office I knew.

     When I arrived, I was told I could come back on Saturday and just sit and wait to be seen. I explained that Skippy had severe anxiety and was terrified of strange dogs and I was afraid it would over-stress him.
    
     Needless to say, I finally asked if there were any other vets in the area. The receptionist gave me two different numbers and suggested I try the one that was a little further away.

     I called the vets office and was promptly given an appointment for later in the day.

     As I drove out to what seemed to be the middle of nowhere, I noticed the mailbox number on the highway led to a small, rundown, bright green house. My thought was, "you have got to be kidding me!". If Skippy weren't so obviously uncomfortable I would have just went home but desperation often motivates a person.

     After checking in, I was quickly taken to a small exam room with very aged windows. The next thing I knew, as I sat there holding my terrified cat, in walks this giant man with a booming voice. With eyes full of compassion, he introduced himself. I neglected to mention that Skippy was also terrified of strangers so I was amazed to see him so calm with this man.

     Sadly, Skippy was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and the vet recommended we take him home, spoil and love on him, and come back when we felt his quality of life was diminished. He then gave us some sedatives to keep Skippy calm for the next time we came in.

     About a month later Skippy had lost his appetite and was in pain. Again, we were given an immediate appointment.

     Without going into specific sad details, we let Skippy go. It was gentle, dignified and I've never had a vet so genuinely caring. He even cried with my husband, Don and I.

     We decided to stay with this vet for the rest of our animals. He even helped with several of my foster dogs during times of crisis and was always  available. It just amazed me how a human being could be so darn compassionate. Little did I know!

     Fast forward about four years. One day I was at his clinic when one of the staff members approached me and asked if I would be willing to help cover for one of their assistants who was going out for surgery. After all the help I had received over the years, I happily volunteered.

     Several weeks later when I was offered a permanent job, I accepted and stayed on as his assistant. Our friendship continued to grow and it got to a point that I really think he was meant to be my brother. As much as we always got along, we actually got into a very heated argument one day over a snake. It must have looked comical as his six-foot-seven frame yelled down at my five-foot-four self, wagging my finger at him and yelling right back. I know our co-workers didn't know what to think as we are both known as the happy go lucky, never get mad types and never had a cross word for anyone.

     Funny thing was, we later agreed the argument was pretty funny and the incident became known as the "Great Snake Fight of 2012". Imagine being furious with someone and literally continuing to work shoulder to shoulder with them! Truth is, it made our friendship even stronger as we knew and accepted each other for who we are.

      On June 2, 2012, while my husband and I sat in Red Lobster, I received a phone call. My dear, wonderful, loving friend had collapsed in a heap at his daughter's softball game. Even though they were enroute to the hospital as we spoke, I just knew he was gone. Suddenly, our conversation from the night before was profoundly prophetic.

       Every day I am so thankful I was fortunate enough to have such an amazing friend. I also cherish the fact that my friendship with Tom blessed me with many more friendships that I truly value. Some may even become fodder for this blog.

     Prior to moving to Virginia, I worked in the admissions department of a skilled nursing facility. Since I was the initial point person and was responsible for all paperwork signing, explaining, etc., I had the opportunity to really get to know the patients and their families.

     Tom loved hearing about some of the phenomenal crazy stories of fate I was lucky enough to witness and at times be a part of.

     I'm anxious  to share some of those stories as many of them are about love, hope and forgiveness.

     For now though, I invite each of the readers to either comment on my story, or even better, share one of your own.

     You never know; if you have taken the time to read this, perhaps fate has had a hand in it.