What Are The Odds?

So I’m working with two clients and we’re walking through the mall, browsing the shops after lunch. We wandered into a pet store, pretty uneventful as all of the animals were asleep but one. I laughed with the woman next to me at her comment that this particular puppy had just escaped the confines of his crate….probably in an effort to liven things up a bit.

As I continued down the aisle I noticed two women who appeared to be a little upset, evidently over the purchase of one of the pups. As I looked down, I saw a cute little white ball of fluff near my feet. She appeared to be some kind of cross between a maltese and poodle, quite adorable and completely content to be rolling and scooting across the floor. When I looked back up, I was met by the nervous gaze of one of the women, who began to explain to me that it was her Mother’s birthday the next day and she had purchased the puppy as a gift for her. I assured her that it was a beautiful gesture and that the puppy was indeed adorable. She continued to explain that it was unusal that she even had enough money with her for the purchase, but that her Mother seemed angry with her.

At this point, the other woman began moving closer to me and stated that she wasn’t angry at all, but rather concerned that her son-in-law would be angry with her once he discovered she would be bringing another dog home, in addition to the two she already had. She explained that although the other two dogs were also quite small, a third one might not be well received by her son-in-law. The struggle etched across her face and in her posture, were quite evident and I placed my hand upon her shoulder and offered a small smile.

Her daughter, who had been standing to my right clutching a small leash, then asked if I might help her to catch her new little bundle who had been barreling up and down the aisles. I looked down behind me to my left and met two little mischievous eyes looking back at me. I knelt down and extended my hand, which was immediately met by eager little kisses. I scooped her up into my arms and as I held her close to me, felt the racing of her pulse against my chest. “You have a good heart,” was the older womans comment. “What is your name?”

I introduced myself and the two other women with me, Charlotte and Bernadette. The older woman referenced the ‘Song of Bernadette,’ as one of her favorite movies and I concurred that I loved it also and wore Saint Bernadette’s medallion around my neck. Then the woman to my right spoke, “I’m Kathy and this is my Mother Kate.” Kate asked me where I was from and then each of the other women in turn. “You have a good heart,” she stated again, “What do you do for a living?” I explained that I was a Case Manger and worked with people with physical or developmental challenges. “…a very good heart,” came her reply.

The puppy had grown calm in my arms and she had begun to leave little kisses upon my chin as I spoke. Kate’s eyes again displayed concern and she asked me if three dogs were simply too many. I laughed and confessed that perhaps I wasn’t the best person to respond to that question, having two dogs and three cats of my own.

I smiled again and asked Kate if she had held her puppy yet. She assured me that she had, then smiled and confessed that the moment she sat beside her, the puppy had climbed upon her lap and showered her with kisses also. “She’s very sweet,” I said as her daughter attached the leash to her collar and I slipped her into her arms. “She’s a birthday gift,” Kathy nervously  repeated to me. I placed my hand on her forearm and again conveyed that she was a lovely gift and things would undoubtedly unfold, precisely as they should.

“Do you like Eastham”?, asked Kate. “It’s such a quiet little town, surrounded by beaches…beautiful scenery.” I eagerly admitted that I loved the area and the Cape was both gorgeous and inspiring…an ‘Artist’s Dream.’

“I’ll be seventy-seven tomorrow,” said Kate. Her daughter, surprised said “She never tells people her age!” “I lost my husband to cancer last year and it was a very difficult time for me.” I shared that my own Mother had just endured her own battle with cancer, but thankfully, was currently deemed cancer-free. “She’s a lucky woman, your Mother…in more ways than one.” “She’s very lucky to have you.”

“Do you see her much, where does she live?” “As often as I can, she lives in RI” I replied.   “I’m lucky to have my children near me,” Kate smiled.

“Do you believe people’s paths cross for a reason?” asked Kate, taking my hand into hers.         I assured her that I was a firm believer in synchronicity. “I believe that you were sent to us today, a guardian angel…all heart.” As she squeezed my hand, she said in a quiet voice, “Everything is going to be alright, isn’t it?” I looked into the older womans eyes, both gentle and kind and smiled. “A very big heart,” she repeated and released my hand.

“Eastham is very close to Provincetown, you should visit us there when we go for the cancer walk,” suggested Kate. Kathy looked up, now grinning herself, “Do you have a business card?” “My sister Tina has a gallery there, you two should talk.”

What are the odds?

I tend never to doubt synchronicity, nor do I ever underestimate the smallest act of kindness. Who is the real recipient here anyway? Nothing done in love is ever wasted and I am continuously amazed by the generosity and compassion of others.

Today, I encountered two complete strangers and during this seemingly random exchange, reflected a small amount of light and inevitably felt its embrace. Upon leaving, I had two new friends and was dubbed Godparent to one incredibly adorable, white ball of fluff.

Advertisement