By Neena Strichart
You may call it serendipity, coincidence or divine intervention, or you may attribute it to “string theory” –I’ll leave it to you to interpret the following:
Our friends Steve and Deborah gave us a gift certificate for Christmas to a new sushi restaurant. We appreciated the gift and promptly forgot all about it. Deb and I work together, and she recently asked if we had used the certificate. I sheepishly told her we had not and she suggested Steve and I treat ourselves to a night out. The next Friday night we did just that.
Sitting at the sushi bar with my gluten-free soy sauce in hand, I noticed a woman accompanying a teenaged girl with a bottle of store-bought soy sauce in front of her just a few seats down from us. Our eyes met–knowingly–and we both mouthed “celiac?” Nodding our heads, we quickly started chatting about what a pain-in-the-neck it is to have celiac disease (gluten intolerance). She, Arabella, has known about her condition since she was two years old. I’ve only known about my allergy for about three years. She and her mother Bertha were both so sweet. They were actually excited to tell me about their favorite places to find gluten-free foods and treats. Ironically, one of their favorite haunts is Vitamin City on Spring Street–right across the street from where we were sitting. We chatted a bit more; I gave her my business card and told the gals to be sure to keep in touch.
After finishing our meals, Steve and I headed over to Vitamin City–10 minutes before they were closing for the evening. We quickly shopped around–me with eyes as big as saucers–amazed at what I now refer to as “gluten-free heaven.” I bought gluten-free bread ($2.79–instead of the $7.00 I was used to paying at a chain specialty store), cookies, cereal and even gluten-free pretzels ($1.79–not the $8 I refused to pay at “that other store.” )
Days later, I received an invitation from Arabella and her family to join them for a gluten-free Chinese New Year celebration. Mom, Steve and I quickly accepted the invitation. We were welcomed by Norm, Bertha’s husband (and Arabella’s Dad) and mingled with the guests. What a great evening. In talking with Arabella, a Poly High School student, it seems her goal is to complete her education and open a gluten free restaurant. Hmmmm–I wonder where she could intern? Delius, daVinci’s, Arnold’s, Café Bixby? Now it’s my turn to help her make a connection.
The above is just one example of how a single kindness–the gift certificate–can lead to an untold number of blessings. My life is full of them.
