My definition of cosmic coincidence are those events that have me shaking my head in bewildered awe, asking “What are the chances that such a thing could happen?”  My answer is always the same. “100%, since it occurred.” It is that encounter with just the right person, hearing a song on the radio right after you were humming it, getting a message from the Universe in the form of a book, letter, phone call or email. Right person, right place, right time. They occur every day in my life and likely, yours too. You just need to be open to receiving them and then recognizing them when they show up.

Tonight brought a series of them. I had planned on attending a candle light vigil in honor of Suicide Awareness Day in my community of Doylestown, PA. It was sponsored by a local mental health center called Lenape Valley Foundation where I had worked several years ago. Its purpose was education and support, as well as a way of honoring those who had lost loved ones. I sat with a therapist friend named Susan who had 4 family members end their lives and afterward interviewed her about her experience. I then mentioned that I would be going to a baseball game on Sunday for Recovery Day (which focuses on healing from addictions) and wondered if she wanted to go with me since I had an extra ticket. I had already asked two friends who are also in the field and neither could go. We laughingly agreed that they both said no, so she could say yes!  It also turned out that the rehab that is co-sponsoring the event at the game is one she had wanted to visit and this gave her the opportunity to do so. Cosmic coincidence #1 .

After we said our goodbyes, I walked over to the Doylestown bookstore to meander around. Who should I see, but two other friends, Chris Pattay and Jon Satin who call themselves The Possibility Coaches. They lead monthly book discussion groups.  They invited me to join them. I asked what book they were focusing on and it turned out to be a pivotal read from back in college- Man’s Search For Meaning, by Victor Frankl. They were pondering the reality that some of those captured by the Nazis as he had been, had thrown themselves against the electrified fence upon entering the concentration camp. He wondered what allowed some people to live through the holocaust, while others determined to end their earthly existence since they didn’t want to endure the certain hardships that were to come. This is very much like what some who commit suicide might be feeling. Cosmic coincidence #2.

I had mentioned that my friend Yvonne Kaye had viewed Victor as a mentor and had actually spoken with him shortly before his death. As it turns out, someone in the group had just spoken of  Yvonne. Cosmic coincidence #3.

I looked over at the woman sitting next to me and noticed that her work badge indicated that she was a hospice caregiver. I told her that my cousin Jody worked with her as a social worker, and  her face lit up.  Cosmic coincidence #4.

A few minutes later, as I was heading back to my car, in the twilight, I see a woman walking a French bull dog, who was introduced to me as Murphy. It was my friend Heather whose name was hanging in the air, since I had told Susan they should meet, as she is an outspoken advocate and educator for recovery as well. Cosmic coincidence #5.

It’s my belief that God has a tremendous sense of humor and is likely laughing along with me at the Divine timing of it all. I wonder what cool connections S/he has in store for me tomorrow.