by Catherine Morris

Created on: November 21, 2008   Last Updated: November 22, 2008

Do you believe in destiny? Do you find it hard to believe that some events are merely coincidence? Life has been likened to a rollercoaster. At birth we join the ride and it ends only at our demise, a trip over which we have no control.

First love is always special. Innocent times spent holding hands, longing to be alone together, fumbles in the dark, long kisses and close embraces. But time passes, new horizons beckon. Not through choice but circumstance, changes occur and you are pulled in different directions. You grow apart, remaining friends,no more than ships that may pass in the night.

Fifteen years later, after marrying another, having children and moving more than a hundred miles away my marriage ended. Cards that Christmas told of a change of address and circumstances but I thought no more of it.

One evening the following March, on the way to night school, trying to improve my qualifications, I briefly called in at home to collect a book, having left my children safely with a babysitter. The telephone rang. I was in a rush. Should I answer it? It could be important. It could be about the children. So I decide I would, clueless that in doing so my life would be changed forever!

A familiar voice spoke was asking for me but I still could not quite place who was calling. The speaker politely asked if I was busy. He was in the area on business and, having contacted his mother for my number, thought he would look me up. Wow, what a surprise! Of course, I wanted to see him so I arranged to meet up with my first love again but what will he be like? Will he have changed?

Not knowing exactly what to feel, I drove to the meeting place. I got out of my car, and he from his. He smiled, so did I and it was obvious we were happy to see each other again. We adjourned to the local pub and in our catch up chat I found out that his first marriage was also over. So pleased to be in his company again, I placed my hand on his arm and told him how glad I was that he had rung me. He held my hand and I experienced a feeling of warmth and knew something special was still there.

A brief kiss ended this reunion but weekend visits turned to a residential arrangement. A second chance to get it right.

A wedding, a son and two decades later we have never looked back. I am very thankful that things have turned out this way and firmly believe that it was meant to be this way. It was destiny.

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