I spend a notable amount of time (and money) at Wal-Mart, so it would seem fitting that I would have a spiritual experience there.  As I have mentioned in previous posts, I believe that EVERYTHING happens for a reason.  There is no such thing as luck, chance or accidents. I would like to list a chain of events that set into place a meeting with a kindred spirit:

1. Last week, I purchased gift cards for my son’s teachers and other school personnel. The list was lengthy, so in an effort to save a few bucks, I decided not to include his AM and PM bus drivers.

2. This morning, while waving to the bus driver, I felt a pang of guilt for leaving her off of the thank you list. I decided that I would stop at Wal-Mart on my way home from the gym and pick up two more gift cards.

3. While driving to the gym, I changed my mind and decided to stop at Wal-Mart before my workout. I ran into the store, grabbed two gift cards and headed for the checkout with the shortest line. While standing there, I realized that the customer in front of me was going to take a while, so I headed for another checkout.

4. There was no one in line at the next register, however, the cashier was standing a few feet away talking with a woman. When she saw me, she ended the conversation and hustled back to her register. She apologized for keeping me waiting, and said that she got caught up talking with the previous customer. Through casual conversation, the clerk had learned that the woman had recently lost her 18-year old daughter to Leukemia.

5. I finished my transaction and began walking towards the exit. I did not get very far when the female customer headed out of the restroom and into my path. We made eye contact, and I asked,” Are you the woman who was just speaking with the Wal-Mart employee?” She shook her head yes, and we began a 45-minute conversation. I mentioned that I had survived a rare form of Leukemia, and that I had lost my husband to cancer over eight years ago.  We spoke about her daughter, and the progression of the disease that ultimately led to her passing last November. We also learned that we share similar spiritual views, and are both on a path to learn more about ourselves and others as more than just human beings. As we parted ways, Rita jotted down her email address, and we agreed to make contact a second time.

We both believe that her daughter had orchestrated the chain of events that led to our meeting. (Rita lives in another part of the city, and had stopped at this particular Wal-Mart to pick up some supplies for work.) We were destined to meet and be granted the opportunity to share our stories about illness and loss.

Thank you, Natalie, for introducing me to your remarkable mother. Through our brief interaction, I learned that the two of you shared a very special bond, and that you are missed. I am grateful for the gift I was given today. I had a chance, once again, to witness the perfection of the universe.