Something came across the path of my life last week that caused me to spend some time pondering the subject of “coincidences”.   Years back I recall reading “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield that dances all around the proposition there are no coincidences.  In the fictional book the premise is everything happens in a sort of cosmic order as it is supposed to.  

My thoughts on coincidence do not go that far, yet I do not under value the impact of chance happenings upon my life.  I have been married twice to women I met purely by good fortune.  There has been more than one instance where my exact arrival time kept me safe when having been ten seconds earlier or later would likely have cost my life.  One of the big steps in my career was coming into contact purely by chance with someone vacationing where I lived.  It has not been uncommon in my life when being in an exact place, on a specific date and at a precise time brought me to an experience which could not have happened as it did any other place and time.   

A couple of months back I wrote a blog here titled ““Temporary Friends” that contained the following:  …There are those unique and rare times when real connections happen.  Once in a while on an airplane two compatible complete strangers find connection and the minutes float away without awareness as a “temporary friendship” is enjoyed…   https://goodmorninggratitude.com/2011/05/27/temporary-friends/ 

To tie the three above paragraphs together I need to tell you about a coincidental meeting last week while traveling.  As I sat down at the gate for my flight I noticed exactly across from me was a 30-something woman who was early to the gate as I was.  We each sat at an angle as to give each other room to stretch our legs out into the aisle between the close rows of seats.  I busied myself reading and with my phone as she did (I even recall something she read on her phone  caused her to laugh out loud a little).      

Boarding the plane I found myself seated just in front of the wing in an aisle seat.  Soon after the woman who had been sitting across from me at the gate came along to take the window seat beside me.   A conversation began fairly quickly that lasted the entire flight making for one of the shortest two hours I have experienced in recent memory.  

Her name was Milka which she explained means “queen” in several languages.  If all recognized royalty was an open, unassuming and kind-spirited as Milka was, all royals would be better deserving of their titles!  I found her to be intelligent, quick-witted, well-read and a caring soul I enjoyed talking to.  She became my newest and most favorite recent “temporary friend”.  

Learning about Milka was an interesting experience.  She was well-educated, has worked in several varying professions and is currently employed behind the scenes in marketing for the cosmetics industry.  She lit up when she talked about her husband she described as handsome and loving.  Her feelings for him were clear in her glow as she talked about him.  The children in her life had great meaning, both the nine-year old son she gave birth to and the 14 year-old from her husband’s previous marriage that lives with them.  What struck me most is that she seemed to be a genuinely happy human being.  Finding one who expresses their love of life openly today is not a common thing! 

The flight was over in no time it seemed and we had arrived at our destination.  Milka was visiting my home city for a convention related to her work.  On the plane I discovered her hotel was literally a couple of miles from my home and offered her a ride which she accepted.  

It never occurred to me that she was anything different from she presented herself.  She apparently felt the same way.  How else could two almost complete strangers have felt comfortable doing what we did!  After all I had offered a lift to someone I really did not know at all and she had accepted a ride from someone she barely knew as well.  Yes, both of us could have been wrong about each other.  But we weren’t and we knew it.  How?  I have no idea.  We just did. 

Today as I reflect on meeting Milka 48 hours ago, I know I will never forget her smile or a few of the details about the life of my most recent “temporary friend”.  Her positive attitude and apparent love of life is something I will remember in spirit long after I forget most specific details.  I am grateful for the chance meeting of a kindred soul and give thanks for the time we shared.  My life is a little richer for it.  I wish Milka and her family what Mr. Spock in Star Trek often wished others:  “Live long and prosper”.   

Chance is perhaps the pseudonym of God when he does not wish to sign his work.  Anatole France