I think we are meant to be certain places at certain times.

While reading my “Southern Living” magazine, I was shocked to see that Charlie’s Seafood in Lexington had made “The South’s Best Seafood Shacks.” One reason it made the list is because the fish is always fresh.

As a lover of seafood, and knowing I had two appointments that would require me to be in Lexington this past week, I vowed I was going to get me a fish sandwich there.

For some reason from the time I read the article, I craved that sandwich.

For me it just takes a power of suggestion for me to get hungry.

Knowing I had to drink a dye for a test and would be unable to eat anything for a long time, all I could think of was as soon as I could I was going to head over to Charlie’s and get myself a sandwich.

Everything would have gone as planned but my procedure took longer and my absent mindedness threw a glitch on getting to go by Charlie’s that day.

I had to take off my necklace before I had my CAT scan, and laid it on top of my purse so it would be easily seen to put back on after the CAT scan. Unfortunately, after the procedure, all I could think about was the gnawing hunger in my stomach and the fish sandwich. I hurriedly thanked the lady and headed out the door to do another errand so I would be ready to go get the fish sandwich.

As I walked into the other place it hit me like a ton of bricks I did not have my diamond necklace my husband had given me. I incoherently told the people where I was I had to go find my necklace.

Panic struck me and I called to tell them at the diagnostic center what I had done. I dumped everything out of my purse and retraced my steps. I picked up and sorted the things in my purse.

The lady inside was nice and walked out with me to help me retrace my steps. I even let her check what I had dumped out in the floor of my car.

Sometimes, two more eyes are all it takes and she found my necklace wrapped around one of my watches I had in my purse.

All I wanted to do after that happened day was get home so no Charlie’s Seafood that day.

For some dumb reason that fish sandwich stayed on my mind. I vowed no matter what I was going to get that fish sandwich.

As soon as I got out of the doctor the next day, I drove straight to Charlie’s and mentioned what I had read in the magazine. I was shocked to learn they had not known about it until another customer had came in with the article and gave it to them.

As I was getting into my car I was stopped by a young lady who yelled, “Maam! Maam!” with urgency in her voice.

I turned and she asked me if she could use my cell phone. I decided instead of giving her my phone I would make the call for her. I asked her what number I should dial and what she wanted me to say.

She said to tell them Michelle was in front of Charlie’s Seafood and she needed someone to take her to rehab or the homeless shelter. I immediately felt sorry for this beautiful lady and saw her with a different heart.

The number she had given me did not answer and I could only leave a message. I asked her if there was anyone else I could call and she said her daughter’s daddy.

I called that number and a nice sounding man answered the phone and I told him what the girl had asked me to say. He said to tell her he was getting off work and he would come to take her as soon as he could. Immediately, I hurt for this girl who looked so nice.

I told her I would have taken her where she wanted to go but I was  afraid to do so. She first told me, rather snappily, “Yeah, I’m really dangerous.” Then she said, “I understand.”

I think the rehab word was what had gotten through to me. I could not help but think how even a few years ago I probably would have put her in my car and taken her.

I told her I would pray for her and she thanked me. I left Michelle hunkered down sitting against the wall of Charlie’s Seafood as drops of rain were coming down.

As I drove away and headed toward Winchester, my mind was consumed by this woman. My little conversation told me a lot about her. One, she was now homeless, two, she had been on drugs of some sort, and three, she had a daughter somewhere who needed her to be a Mom to her.

Of course, I wondered about the nice-sounding man and his willingness to help take her even if they were not together.

I was about half way to Winchester when I received a call from a lady who asked me if I was the one who had left the message about Michelle.

I told her I was, and she began bawling. She told me every time the phone rings she is afraid to answer it because she is afraid she will be told she is dead.

She thanked me over and over and told me she was Michelle’s mom. She said Michelle had got into drugs and had gotten off them for nine years and then got with this guy who did drugs and she started back on them.

She did admit she knew he was not all to blame since she had a mind and did not have to do them. She said she had been evicted from her apartment and was now on the street again.

She, through heartbreaking sobs, told me how she loved her daughter and has prayed so hard for her.

It was then I knew why it was not meant for me to have gotten that fish sandwich the day before. I tried to talk to this lady and I told her that I would pray for her and Michelle.

I also told her she had to turn it over to God. She was doing all she could for her, and until Michelle decided to change, there was nothing more she could do.

I told her I thought God had me stop at Charlie’s at the time I did. Maybe Michelle needed to know someone would pray for her. Her Momma definitely needed an ear to talk to.

Her mother told me Michelle’s father told her he would let her come home only after she went to rehab and proved she would stay clean.

As I completed my drive back to Winchester, I wondered how many other parents are as stressed out as Michelle’s mother and father are on a daily basis. I wondered how many parents panic at the sound of the phone ringing, afraid to pick it up because they are afraid of the news they may receive.

I wondered how many kids have been either taken away or spend their days and nights wishing Mommy was home.

Then as much as I felt sorry for them, I became angry.

I think they all have choices. Wake up, people! Do not be so selfish. You do not just hurt yourselves doing drugs, but so many others also.

Michelle appeared to be an intelligent person. I hope she gets off drugs and never has the desire to go back to them.

I am asking for prayer for her and others like her.

I saw this on Facebook. It was labeled “Just Thoughts,” It went like this: We all have pasts. We all made choices that maybe weren’t the best ones. None of us are completely innocent, but we got a fresh start every day to be a better person than we were yesterday.”

I am hoping Michelle and all of us use every day as a fresh start.

Sue Staton is a Clark County native who grew up in Kiddville. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who is active in First United Methodist Church and Towne and Country Homemakers.