I Do Not Believe in Coincidences

I do not believe in coincidences.  I read a lot of murder mysteries, and the protagonists are always saying this.

But just because it is a platitude, it does not mean it is not true. Most recently this past year, at work, I happened to be in the chow hall at the same time as a volunteer Chaplain, who had volunteered at the unit for 18 years, and whom I had never met.  She invited me to eat with her and we had a great talk.  It was a blessing to meet her and learn about her work in the regional medical center.

A few weeks ago, a nurse I do not usually sit with joined me for lunch.  Near the end of lunch, she confided that her cousin had recently committed suicide. We talked for some time.  One thing we discussed was that her aunt was not sure about what kind of service, or doing any service.  I confided with her regarding some of my past experiences with suicide. I talked to her about the presumption of regret right before death, and that God would then forgive someone and welcome that person into Heaven. 

Ever the social worker, I found some local resources for her and, since her cousin lived elsewhere, resources where he lived.

Later that week, I checked on the nurse.  The memorial service had been the day before, and she was eager to discuss it with me.  I was honored to listen.  It had helped a great deal in the healing process.

Well, today, I was thinking about grits when Chef Jeff http://www.chefjefflive.com/ came on TV with a recipe for grits. I have frequently seen the Chef Jeff segments on TV, but did not pay much attention to who he was or what his story was.  Until today.  I went looking for his recipe, and learned about his background.  He was a cocaine kingpin, went to federal prison, and grew up, grew responsible and learned a trade in prison:  cooking.

As a social worker in a prison, I am always looking for a good role model for the offenders with whom we work.  An ex-felon who makes good is a plus as a good role model.  Jeff Henderson has a new book: If you Can See it, You Can Be It.   He has two other books: Cooked: My Journey from the Street to the Stove and Chef Jeff Cooks:  In the Kitchen with America's Inspirational New Culinary Star http://www.amazon.com/Cooked-My-Journey-Streets-Stove/dp/0061153915/ref=la_B001JS3E78_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399842132&sr=1-1.  

Apparently, the last book is more of a cookbook, but I will read the other two for sure.

The point is, if I was not thinking about grits, and Chef Jeff was not presenting a recipe about grits, I would not have learned of his past, and the potential to use him as a role model for my patients.