Fate

I can remember the first time I began to think about fate. I was a senior in high school, getting ready to head off to college. I had chosen to go the University of Michigan. A very large (and expensive) college, where I would know no one. I was nervous and excited about the entire process. As I packed my bags to go, I kept thinking about other girls in the country doing the exact same thing at the exact same moment. I also remember thinking, that these girl would end up becoming my friends for life. It was an overwhelming thought, but one that became very true. My nearest and dearest friends are four beautiful women I met my freshmen year at U of M. We came from all over the country, and we are spread all over the country again, but our friendship will last forever. Take a look back at your life and see the ways the stars aligned to bring you where you are today. It's a pretty cool concept if you ask me. Even though I used the phrase, I really don't think it has to do with star alignment. I strongly feel that God has placed situations in front of us that provide an opportunity to make decisions. Those decisions lead us to excatly where we are supposed to be at any given moment. Some may say its luck, others may say its pure coincidence, but when I look back at how I got to where I am today, I can only believe in fate. I wrote how when I left Chicago I was positive it was the wrong decision. We all know it was not. It happened for a reason. Most know Chris and I met at our annual Union Scholarship party, but I don't think many know the course of actions that lead to that meeting. Chris was diagnosed with kidney cancer the year before I met him. I had heard his name at work on numerous occasions due to the fact that my co-worker Stan, was a very good friend of his. I knew that Chris had gone through a health scare and although my heart went out for this man I never met, I never really thought much about it. The following year, Chris celebrated his one-year anniversary of being cancer free. Our school district is a large sponsor for Relay for Life and our local paper did an interview with Chris on his ordeal. I was a new homeowner and thought it would be very mature to subscribe to the local paper, even though I never took the time to read it. I vividly remember that warm spring afternoon, standing at my kitchen table and for some reason, I opened the paper. There staring me in the face was this picture of a cute guy. I decided his picture was cute enough that I should sit down and take the time to read his article. As I read it, I began to get this feeling that I needed to meet him. Many of you know, I had my own medical struggles as a child and I really felt like I could relate to some of the things Chris was saying in this article. But as I thought this, I also thought how in the world would I ever meet him? I put the idea into the back of my brain and continued on with my day. It was only a few days later that I found myself sharing a drink with a friend at a local establishment. I brought up the article and to my surprise, this very insightful friend thought we would be perfect for each other. Unbeknownst to me, they had gone to high school together. He knew that we had many common interests and would make a fantastic match. The only problem, he didn't know Chris well enough to get the two of us to meet. Once again, I put the thought to the back of my mind. If you know our love story, you know that I did go to work and quietly fish for information. No one knew much. I refused to ask his friend Stan. Quite honestly, I had no desire to be "set up." I'd done that a few times before with absolutely no success. Once again, I put the thought to the back of my mind. When I went to the union party, as I did every year, I had no intention of even running into him. It didn't even cross my mind that he'd be there. I was just excited to get out for an evening with my friends and have a few drinks. But as you know, we did meet that fateful day. Then unexpectantly at a bar, two days later. A bar I went to often, but Chris never did. I never saw Chris out in Lockport in the three years I had lived there. Yet, I saw him twice in three days! Coincidence or fate??? You know which one I think! As you all know the rest is history. But what about where we are today? Sometimes I think God did this to remind us of how strong we are. Like I've said before, I'd fallen into a hypochondriac state. I think someone above is reminding me of what's important and that I do have the power and strength to overcome anything. Chris and I were both strong, independent individuals before we met, but he waited until we were one dynamic unit to put such a difficult task in front of us. God knew what He was doing when He "aligned the stars" to make our paths cross. I also think it was fate that has brought all of you into our lives. We wouldn't be able to get through this without the loving support of our friends and family. So today, think about the fate that has brought you to where you are. The good, the bad, the ugly. The happy and the sad. The moments that have happened in life that have made you who you are. I know I'm amazed at the person I continue to become because of the moments that are placed in front of me. xo, Teresa