It’s a small world. Really.

This story is an almost too “it’s a small world” kind of story to believe.

But it’s true.

Here goes.

When I was a kid, my Dad was in the Navy and he was stationed in different parts of the country.  When I was 8 years old, his new base was in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  My family moved from San Diego, California to a little New England town just outside of Portsmouth and my family settled into a new life.  I particularly loved my new school.  There were two classes for each grade, from 1st – 8th, and everyone knew everyone.  It was safe and happy and welcoming and perfect.  I knew everyone in my grade…

When my Dad retired from the Navy, his civilian job took our family to Rhode Island.  I was entering 8th grade when we moved, and I was devastated.  I had looked forward to being an 8th grader in that safe school where I loved all my classmates,  and especially with all the perks that came with that upward position.  Instead, I was thrust into a huge junior high school in Rhode Island where there were dozens of new kids in each class I took.

In time, I made new friends… as we all do, and my little school in that Portsmouth suburb became a fond memory of another time and other people.

So this brings me to yesterday.  Barry and I went with Jane to watch her compete in a triathlon yesterday morning.  She had recently joined a running club of sorts, and many of these runners were competing, too.  After the race, one delightful young couple from that group (who live in Rhode Island by way of working and meeting in Arizona) was headed to a wedding in New Hampshire, and I asked, “Where in New Hampshire.”

The guy answered, “Portsmouth.”

“I used to live near Portsmouth,” I said.

The young woman said, “Me too.”

And at the same time, we both said the name of the town.

We looked kind of surprised, and she added, “I grew up there.  My Dad grew up there, too.”

Now, I was thinking… hmmm.  “Maybe I know your Dad.”  I was kidding, kind of… but…

And she was saying, at the same time, “I bet you’re about my Dad’s age.  He’s 56.”

I said, “I’m almost 57.”

And I said, “What’s his name?” as she was saying his name.

I knew her Dad.  I remembered him instantly because he has the same name as a famous band from the 60’s, and when I was in high school way back then I actually thought that maybe this guy from that little town in New Hampshire became a famous guitarist.  He didn’t.  My old classmate is an engineer and still lives in that little New Hampshire hamlet and the guitarist is just a guy with the same name.

But I knew her Dad! I haven’t seen him in well over 40 years, but I knew her Dad.

We talked for a few moments about life and how small this world truly is. I told her the story about me thinking her Dad may be that famous musician… and we had a few laughs over this and about the wild coincidence of our meeting and our conversation and me knowing her Dad.  I will say that my old classmate’s daughter is a beautiful, bright woman and a very talented athlete… and the way her smile lights the world would make any Dad proud.

Isn’t life interesting!?  And isn’t this world really, really small!?

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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