Those Who are Destined to Meet

Sometimes in life, we expect things are going to work out one way, but we get thrown an unexpected curveball. Sometimes the unexpected is difficult, but sometimes it comes along to teach us that we are stronger than we think we are. That we are more capable than we think we are. If we just live in the moment, keep an open mind and heart, things will always turn out the way they are meant to be. Life is serendipitous.

Brittany’s 6-year-old daughter received various diagnoses at a young age. She shared, “Aubrey has a rare genetic condition that only a handful of people in the world have been diagnosed with. She was also diagnosed with Autism and Hypotonia.” She struggles with eating certain solid foods as they can be a choking hazard, stumbling, maneuvering stairs, being off-balance, and most worrisome pain/injuries may not register the same with her and communication can become a barrier. “I worry for my daughter every day, but she overcomes her challenges,” she smiled, “She is simply amazing.”

This amazing little girl has many challenges to overcome every day but doesn’t give up. “What quality does Aubrey possess that you are the proudest? “I asked. She beamed, “How fun and sweet she is. She is such a chatty Kathy! She loves to be on adventures but enjoys her home life too. She's so strong and never complains,” she paused for a moment, “I wish I could be more like her.” I wish I could be more like her too, I thought to myself.

Over the years, Brittany has learned that it is okay to reach out to ask others for help. “In addition to my family, my fiancé, Aaron, and his family have accepted us with no questions asked and love us unconditionally.” I smiled, “I guess you and your daughter came together as a package deal when you met him?” She replied, “Yes, and thankfully he was very accepting of my daughter. Aubrey comes first, and Aaron doesn’t mind coming in second,” she laughed, “I thought I would be single forever!” she continued,” Aaron and Aubrey are like two peas in a pod, they are attached at the hip, and I couldn’t ask for more.”

Brittany went on to share a funny story on how she and Aaron met. “We went to Sunday school as kids and made our First Communion together despite attending different schools. He lived in Stellarton and I lived in New Glasgow. Today, he likes to joke that he has had a crush on me since the age of 7!” she giggled. I commented, “Wow, that’s amazing!” She smiled, “It gets funnier! We only saw each other a few times over the years until I met him online 4 years ago on the Bumble App!,” she continued, “It's an app where the woman must swipe and reach out first which I liked. We share the same values and interests and within a year we were engaged,” she lit up,” And, we are planning on eloping next year!”

This story reminded me that if you keep your heart open, life will surprise you. It will surprise you in unexpected but wonderful, serendipitous ways.

I believe this proverb sums it up best, “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break.”