CASCADING

SERENDIPITY Chapter 3

'Have you ever had the feeling that something is going to happen? Something strange, new, uncharted and navigated directly out of your hands: without your intention this, series of events will unfold and you are left merely a spectator? What can we do when such indescribable motions take place?' One of Steffen's favourite presenters spoke on the radio when he turned on the ignition.

Steffen rolled up the windows in his van as the rain started to fall. He clutched the staring wheel and peered out the window. 'To imagine it was just sunny less than two minutes ago. How is it raining now?' He turned up the A.C and made his way to the interception, then something or someone caught his attention falling in front his vehicle. He slammed on his brakes and hopped out his van. "Oh my Gosh! Are you ok?" A middle aged man was lying on the ground, Steffen ran over to him, "Did I hit you?" Steffen knelt down beside the gentleman, looking him over he continued his questions, "Are you hurt anywhere? Are these your bags? Do you need me to call an ambulance?" Heart beating twice it's normal rate Steffen help the stranger to his feet then ran back to the vehicle for an umbrella.

"Whoah..." He wobbled a bit. "Thanks young man. I'm alright, nothing broken and yes those are my bags. I think I'm all good, just a bit shaken. I slipped on the sidewalk, and stumbled over." He turned and pointed to where he slipped. "You didn't hit me, bless de Fadda. I wasn't expecting any rain, sure didn't hear it mentioned in the forecast this morning. Thanks." Steffen held the umbrella over the man's head and held the bags with the other hand while looking around to see if any of the contents had fallen out.

"Are you sure you're ok? I mean I can call an ambulance for you, it shouldn't take long since we are in the heart of Bridgetown right?" He offered his arm like a groom and steadied the man while he stepped onto the sidewalk.

"Well I've worked in paramedics for over thirty years so I know they aren't coming in this 'now' but they try." He looked up at Steffen and gave him a weary but kind smile. It seemed this gentleman had seen many long days and nights working every possible shift. His years of servitude were etched out in every wrinkle in his face. At least at retirement he can enjoy some free time. He bent over and picked up his hat, now drenched in rain he wrung it out and stuffed it into one of the bags. His hand shook a bit as he took hold of Steffen's arm again.

"Where are you headed? Do you need a ride? I am heading out of town west of the island." Steffen guided the gentleman back to his van and opened the passenger's door and smiled at the man.

"Well, sure thanks. If it isn't too much trouble I'll take that ride." And again he gave Steffen that weary but kind smile. "By the way I'm Samuel, like the prophet Samuel from the bible, " He reached out a shaky hand to Steffen. Steffen took hold with both hands and returned the smile. "But everyone calls me Sammy except for my two grans that call me Granpa Sam."

"Steffen. Nice to meet you Sammy." Steffen couldn't help but noticed the way Sammy shook and regretted not having a blanket or towel to offer him. He turned the AC off and turned up the heater instead. "So where are you headed?" Steffen sat and waited for directions, something held him back to wait on him.

Sam looked out the window on his side. He squinted as he stared intently, "Oh everything's changed now hasn't it? I used to know this area like the back of my hand." Sam examined the back of his hands as though he really lost something written there. "That is until I migrated to the US with my second wife and son, my daughter too, but..she was hot headed and blamed my wife for the death of her mom and stayed with her aunt until she finished university. Cancer took her mom too soon and she needed someone to blame and put her anger on, so, Cindy, my wife became her punching bag, not literally, but, you know what I mean? Angry teens are harder to deal with, even with all the support surrounding them it just seems harder. Even stopped coming to church and participating in youth ministry. I tried to talk to her, prayed for her but still." Sam shrugged his shoulders and sighed deeply. He looked over at Steffen. "Leave everything in God's hands. Timing is essential, it is what it is, life is about changes and challenges, failures and triumphs. The important thing is how we deal with those changes and whatever else life throws at us." He looked at Steffen and gave him a wink.