Coincidence: A sequence of events that although accidental
seems to have been planned or arranged
What many people think might be a simple coincidence, Native
Americans would believe as being a message. As I discussed in my past post (http://nacwr.blogspot.com/2012/10/mitakuye-oyasin-all-my-relations-we-are_31.html) , I
am a potential bone marrow match for a two-year old boy with bone cancer.
Further testing was set for me Monday, November 5th, 2012. It was
set many days ago and I have been willing, ready and able. I have tried to
patiently wait for that day to arrive. When it did finally arrive I got to the hospital
early and signed in.
All I could think about was that little boy and his family.
They have probably spent many hours in a medical setting, similar to a place
where I sat to give my blood. My appointment was at 8am and I was called back
about 8:10am. I was asked for my ID and insurance card. I explained that I was
there as the result of the bone marrow agency’s request and they had made the
appointment and instructed me not to give my insurance card. The worker asked
how the appointment had been made – fax, email, phone call? I was not sure and
said that.
She looked through a file of papers, and then left the room.
I tried to remain calm hoping that all would be well and she would find what
was needed. After several minutes, she returned stating that she had “found
it.” She was smiling now and less cold toward me as she had been when I first
sat down. I wanted to make sure that all things were in order and my blood made
it to its destination in a timely manner and safe. As she began to complete
some forms, I explained that a two-year old boy needed a transplant and I was a
potential match. I said this not to direct any attention toward me, but to
signal to her that this situation is serious and the blood sample must get to
the boy’s doctor safely.
I was happy to feel the mood turn from just collecting blood
for general medical tests to an act of helping a boy and his family. After she
collected all of the blood needed and was done with me, she let me know I was
all done and that she would make sure the paper work was correctly completed
and that she would pray that this was a match.
These past days have been emotional for me. If I think too
much about this situation I become overwhelmed and have to hold back tears. I
can’t speak about it without crying. I left that hospital praying and thinking
about this family. Good thoughts have been part of my daily routine.
As I traveled to work, running late for a meeting, I
approached the bridge crossing the Missouri River. The water has been down in
the River and every time I cross I always try to look over the River and
monitor what is happening. I cross the Missouri almost every day, so it is
familiar to me. While I have a purpose to look closely at the River, sometimes
I get distracted and miss my chance to look at the water moving along, the changing
river bank, the tree leaves transforming their colors, and boats moving along
the water.
While my mind was still on this boy, his family and the safe
travels of my blood, I looked out to my right and spotted a Bald Eagle flying
along parallel to me and traveling at the same speed. He was crossing the
Missouri at the same height, speed, and time as me. As we both reach the River’s
bank, I continued on my route and He, his.
For readers who do not know the significance of seeing a
Bald Eagle, especially in St Charles Missouri, I will not go into it. For those
who know, there is no need to go into it. Returning back to the idea of the
title of something being a coincidence or not, some folks would label this
event as being a coincidence, happenstance, or some kind of a fluke. On the
other hand, my People’s beliefs would label this as a message, a signal, a
sign. They would say I should pay close attention to this message. They might
say it is a Spirit Guide. Coincidence is a word used when someone is unsure
about an event.
This event indicates, at least to me, that I am on a good
path. How could I not be…my Spirit Guide is on the same path! Also on this path
are the sick boy and his family. We have joined together. Although we have
never met and I do not know their names or where they live, our paths have
crossed. It is not a coincidence that I live in Missouri. It is not a
coincidence I got my cheek swab in 1994 for the bone marrow registry. It is not
a coincidence that I received a message as a potential match. And it is not a
coincidence that a Bald Eagle crossed the Missouri River on the same time and
important date as me.
This is a message…a strong one. We are all on a path, a good
one. How do I know this for sure? Just stay tuned!
Peace, DAP
