What is a coincidence? Is it merely a random occurrence, or does it signify something deeper, perhaps a series of events that were meant to unfold? Personally, I lean towards the latter. Some moments in life feel too extraordinary to be dismissed as mere chance, and the beauty of these “coincidences” deserves recognition.
Nestled just outside Edinburgh, Musselburgh is a charming town often overlooked by tourists. However, during my time studying abroad, I became a local in nearby Dalkeith and eagerly sought out coastal adventures. Longing for the sunny shores of my hometown, I decided to take a bus to the nearest beach. As soon as I arrived in Musselburgh, I was struck by its similarities to Corpus Christi, with its skate park, sandy shores, and quaint boats lining the bay. Exploring alone was liberating; I could chart my own course and indulge my whims.
While wandering across a pedestrian bridge, I stumbled upon love locks dotting the structure. Unlike the iconic locks of Paris, these felt personal and intimate, each one telling a unique story linked to the town. This inspired me to commemorate my own affection for Musselburgh and my boyfriend, whom I had left just weeks after our relationship began. The ache of long-distance love propelled me to seek out a lock to leave on the bridge, a tangible reminder of our bond.
In a rush to find a lock before my bus back to Dalkeith, I scoured the town’s shops until I finally found a pink padlock in a dollar store. I grabbed a black sharpie to inscribe our names and even bought scissors to help me open the packaging. As I hurriedly opened it, I accidentally cut my finger, smearing blood on the lock. “Now that’s true love,” I chuckled to myself, thinking of the unintended blood ritual I’d just performed.
Arriving at the bridge, I sought the perfect location for our lock, ensuring there would be space for future locks. After securing it, I decided to bury one of the keys nearby, planning to send another to my boyfriend while keeping one for myself. I made it back to the bus station just in time, feeling exhilarated by my adventure.
Fast forward to August 4, 2017. My study abroad experience had concluded, and I was greeted warmly by my boyfriend at the airport. That night was magical; we were thrilled yet anxious about the future, both in our senior year of college. As February approached, I wanted to find a special gift for my fiancé. An idea struck me: I could get him a love lock with our baby’s name on it. We had often talked about returning to Scotland together, and I envisioned us placing this lock on the bridge as a family. After a quick search, I found the perfect lock on Etsy, complete with space for our baby’s ultrasound picture.
On Valentine’s Day, I presented the gift alongside a heart-shaped box of chicken nuggets, and he adored it. Mike was destined to be an incredible dad. When our son, Leo, arrived, he faced some health challenges that required blood transfusions and a stay in the NICU. It was a harrowing time, but the compassionate nurses assured us everything would be alright.
One day, I met the head nurse and was taken aback by her accent—it was so reminiscent of Scotland. I learned she had lived there and shared my story about the lock I had given Mike. To my amazement, she offered to take our lock to Scotland when she visited, and I felt it was fate guiding me to accept this generous gesture.
Months rolled by without news until one day, we received photos confirming that our lock had reached the Musselburgh bridge. Though the pink lock had weathered the Scottish rain, it stood proudly alongside our son’s lock, a testament to our journey. It was a moving reminder of how interconnected our lives can be.
But the story didn’t end there. The following year, I bought another lock as my “something blue” for our wedding, wearing it on my garter. We found budget-friendly flights to Scotland for our honeymoon and were eager to add our third lock to the bridge. To our delight, we stayed in the same palace where I had studied, even in the exact room I once occupied.
On the day we visited Musselburgh, we were nervous, wondering if our locks would still be there after a year. Riding the same bus route I had taken years prior, we finally arrived to find our locks were still intact. We added our third lock and tossed the key into the water, confident that our love would endure forever. Our family’s story now graces that small Scottish bridge, and we look forward to adding more chapters to it in the future.
For those interested in similar journeys, exploring home insemination options can lead to beautiful new beginnings. Check out this insightful article on home insemination and visit Make a Mom for essential tools. Additionally, if you want to learn more about the IVF process, this resource is highly recommended.
Summary
Maria’s heartfelt journey through a small Scottish town reveals how unexpected connections can shape our lives. From love locks on a bridge to the joy of family, her experiences highlight the beauty of intertwining stories and the power of love.