Chance or Destiny?

by Carl Tyler Hayden (United States of America)

I didn't expect to find USA

I picked up a hitchhiker. I didn't know who she was, how she got there, or where she was going. From the corner of my eye, like a flash of light, beamed a young female sitting on a backpack with a cardboard sign and an arrow pointing up. Next to her was a brown dog resting in the shade she provided. I shouldn’t have seen them as I entered the highway, but I did. An external force presented itself and my instinctual response was to pull over. My hands gripping the steering wheel automatically veered to the right. I never planned to pick up a hitchhiker. I never wanted to pick up a hitchhiker, but I was driving north and had the extra space. She opened the door with a big smile and a gentle yet strong “Hi there!” She didn't look like she was going to kill me, rob me, or stink up my truck, so I invited them in. Just like that, we were off! Heading to where the arrow was pointing, up. My truck was now filled with two strangers, one dog, some extra baggage, and the same amount of gas. Brought together by unknown forces. Maybe it was chance or maybe it was destiny. She could have been picked up from any vehicle before me or any vehicle behind me. I have hitchhiked before in other countries and also in my home country of the United States of America. I know the struggles and joys of doing so. You literally put your life and your trust in someone else's hands. Just like any journey, you let fate decide what happens next. Her name was Bailey and the dog’s name was Basil. We immediately engaged in conversation about life and why we were where we were. She just got back to the US for less than a week, after traveling Mongolia for the past six months. She had been riding across Mongolia with a wild horse that she personally had to tame. Wait, what? Yes you read that correctly. This small town girl from Kansas, traveled to Mongolia with her dog, to live amongst one of the oldest nomadic peoples in all of history. This small, yet strong framed and strong willed girl named Bailey, worked for over six months chopping wood to earn enough money to embark on her own personal legend. Materially, she didn't have much. Personally, she had it all. Amazing stories, unique experiences, random friendships, and the special attitude of getting more to life than just material “things.” That being said, winter was approaching and I stopped off at a local shop to purchase some leggings and a sweat shirt for her to stay warm. She was planning to stay in her sleeping bag during her journey to wherever. I got her a bracelet to show my appreciation of her vision and our new friendship. I asked her how she was financially and she told me not so well. Luckily for both of us, I had some extra cash on hand and gave it to her to help keep her fire burning and feed her dog. As she thanked me dearly and tears came to her eyes, I could feel the pure joy and happiness it brought to her. Money provides opportunity. Spent responsibly, it also provides the basic essentials to keep going and survive in today’s harsh but beautiful world. Whether you travel across an ocean or across the street, we’re all humans. We have all been down at some point; financially, mentally, or both. So why not reach out and help a random stranger? Do what you can and help push them forward towards a better life and a better future. It can be as simple as a smile, small conversation, donation of goods, or donation of money. Big or small, it all adds up. If we practice this lifestyle as a human race, the world would be a more loving and happy place to live in. Together we can, together we must. Create your own destiny, but accept chance into your life. “Eventually, you will come to understand that love heals everything, and love is all there is.” - Gary Zukov