While out having a good time the other night with my friend Jyl, we left the Halloween party at the local Eagles hall and headed over to a local restaurant and bar called the Cabbage Shed to meet Jyl’s friend Heather whom I had never met.
Once arriving there we ran into some mutual friends and were having a good time chatting and having drinks. Jyl introduced me to her friend and while Jyl was talking with our friend Kelly, Heather and I started up a conversation.
After asking her to tell me about herself, she proceeded to tell me how she met her husband and how she had helped him care for his parents. His father had passed away a few years ago, but his mother had suffered from Alzeimers and died seven years later. She then went on to tell me that taking care of her mother-in-law is how she got into her carrer as a caregiver.
Heather then asked me to tell her a little about myself and after hearing my story she said to me, “You must be a very caring person”. The thing is I have always tried to help others out when I can, but I have not always done so unconditionally, sometimes only thinking of myself.
After meeting Kristine some 9 years ago and learning what kind of person she was, I slowly have learned to be more thoughtful and caring without asking for anything in return.
I told Heather this and she said the most insightful thing to me, saying “You have received a gift”. I didn’t think much of it until today? I now feel that there is a reason I’m here and my life with Kristine was not to be. That some cosmic force for a better word has other plans for my life.
This is where I’m supposed to be, this is what I’m to do with my life. Kristine has given me this gift to make me a better and stronger person. I have had much sorrow, grief, anger and depression over her death, but I now believe this was what was supposed to happen.
I also feel that me meeting my friend Jyl has been my saving grace. She has listened to me and has helped me through some tough times. I think she needs me as much as I need her in this time in our lives. I also think that the meeting of her dear friend Heather was just a missing piece of the puzzle.
I was talking with Jyl the other day about fate. I feel it is a somewhat powerful and positive force in my life? I’m still confused about some things, but I know now I will be alright. There are other plans for me, I just have to wait and see what they are?
Hi Mark, it sounds as though you are doing well even with the hand you have been dealt. I was very moved by your insights into human nature in the face of tradegy. I do believe that everyone has a predestined plan in life but we don’t always stop living the life we planned, and live the life that was planned for us. Everything that happens to us is for a reason and we may not discover the purpose for quite some time, if ever.
You truly are a remarkable man. Kris left you a gift, even though you didn’t see it at first, and now your are sharing your gift with others. Very commendable!
Keep dreaming and reaching for the stars, the sky is the limit. The only limitations we have in life are the ones that we place on ourselves.
Take care of you and yours! You are truly blessed!