Are there really coincidences ...? Or do things happen at a specific time for a reason? Got the following email recently ...and it got me thinking of that. Here it is:

Deborah:

Weirdest thing, coming home from a conference in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Sadly, recently separated from my wife and feeling, I guess lonely. I am walking into my parents apartment, where I am living right now, they are away. I am just coming from the airport thinking about my "situation". I am thinking, as I often do, that I am grateful for all of my good fortune, mostly to balance the thoughts of sadness I have now. I think about the fundamental difference between my wife and I and reiterate to myself, having considered this for years; the difference is in the sense of gratitude. I am thinking this as I turn on the television throwing my suitcase on the bed and you are being interviewed by Larry King and of course you know the content. How weird right? Read on to see more... And I consider in my loneliness how peaceful it is and at the same time how such a bright, young, intelligent and motivated beautiful woman not only considers these things but wrote a book about it. I guess the point is that I am grateful to have seen those timely comments and it gives me hope to ultimately connect with a potential mate of such a nature. Thank you. -- Randy

No, thank YOU, for writing. And yes, it IS a freaky coincidence -- but a good one. And isn't it interesting that you were thinking of your estranged wife at that time? I wonder -- what would happen if you contacted her and said, "Whatever happens with us in the future remains to be seen -- but I want you to know that I am grateful for the time we had together. Mention a few special memories, etc. In less than two weeks, I will celebrate my 20th anniversary. As I write this, I am on a flight to see meet my husband. Marriage is wonderful ... but like most wonderful things -- it doesn't happen by magic. It takes work and patience and long fuses and short memories (about the slights, I mean!) NEVER forget the good stuff! Give it a shot. I bet you she was lonely that same Sunday night... and who knows what her reaction might be knowing YOU were thinking of her? Give it a shot -- the worst that happens is nothing changes. But the best...? Well, THAT would be amazing! --Deborah