And that's awesome, too, @merej99! I always find these stories amazing and beautiful... a couple we know here-- who are good friends-- grew up two blocks from each other; when they were seven, he helped her up and comforted her after she'd fallen while skating on a local pond; they didn't know each other and had no further contact... but here's where it gets magical and mystical-- between ages 9 and 26, they/their families made six moves to six towns in three states never more than a couple of months apart, and they never lived more than a mile from each other! They finally met at a party, back in their original hometown... at their wedding, their families met for the first time. They celebrated their 25th last year...
These lives we live... my wife is wife #3 and I'm husband #5.
Wow, that's a pretty amazing story and to think they were literally "around the corner" from one another. It also makes me wonder about fate and destiny. My husband and I often wonder what would have happened if we tried having a second date in high school. Might we be close to a 30 year anniversary -- or would I have been his first ex wife? LOL In truth, we probably needed all that 'water under the bridge' because our relationship is unwavering.
I don't remember exactly how this was phrased-- nor who said it-- but there was a saying along the lines of "The paths we have chosen lead us to EXACTLY where we are today." Whereas the "What IF" game can be fun... fact remains that this reality is what we have, and the best thing we can do is simply be grateful.