It was a hot afternoon in Fair Oaks, CA. Cars rumbled down Sunrise Blvd, people bustled about, and life carried on at its typical pace. Amid this everyday routine, a seemingly ordinary moment would become an extraordinary memory.
I pulled my car into the ARCO gas station on Winding Way and Sunrise, where I had been countless times. As usual, I set the pump and began filling the tank, letting my thoughts wander. The familiar hum of the gas station, the distant chatter of people, and the scent of gasoline blended into the background.
Lost in thought, a sudden, unexpected sight pulled me back to the present. Across the tank, there he was – my son, looking just as surprised as I was. It was one of those rare moments when the universe aligns perfectly and bestows a pleasant surprise upon you. How had we both ended up at the same gas station, at the same pump, at the same time? It wasn’t planned. It was pure luck.
Our eyes met, and a broad smile stretched across his face. In an instant, I found myself giving him a big, tight hug.
Pulling back, he laughed, “I didn’t see you until I stood at the tank. It’s funny how that worked out.”
I couldn’t help but agree, “I’m so happy I got to see you!”
We chatted briefly, catching up on the day’s events and enjoying this unexpected meet-up. As we wrapped up our conversation and prepared to head our separate ways, I looked around, taking in the scene – the gas station, the cars, the people, and my son. With a heartfelt smile, I exclaimed, “I love this small town!”
It was a serendipitous moment that reminded me of life’s beautiful surprises.
