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What’s Meant To Be

Nov 13, 2016 ·

Saucy Mama products and cuban sandwich

I thought I came to Orange Beach, Alabama to represent my sponsor, Saucy Mama, in the World Food Championships. Leading up to the competition I struggled with my recipes trying to fit them into the parameters of the contest and I actually had a feeling of dread. My goal was to present my flavors, cook to the best of my ability and hopefully make Saucy Mama proud. The pressure was on like a panini in a sandwich press.

cuban sandwiches
Cuban Fusion

Saucy Mama is a family owned company that prides itself on supporting home cooks. They love nothing more than gathering folks around a table to enjoy good food. While I did not bring them into the winner’s circle I sure felt loved. It was obvious that they were proud of what I had brought to the table. I accomplished my cooking goals and truly had the most wonderful time amongst many friends and my Saucy Mama family.

plate of chicken meatball subs
Fontina Stuffed Chicken and Mushroom Meatball with Parmesan Frico

However, I am writing this morning because I have another story to tell. It’s not about cooking. It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about a chance meeting. It’s about a simple glance through a restaurant window and how that moment changes your life. It’s a story of a young Navy Corpsman who reached out because he thought he might have recognized, Will’s mom. A story about why I was meant to compete in Orange Beach.

me and my son's military brother

Meet Brandon. Brandon and William became brothers while stationed in San Diego. He caught a glimpse of me through a window as I passed by a restaurant he just happened to be working in. The following morning I wake up to a FB message:

Brandon: Mrs. Keys are you in Orange Beach

Me: Yes. I am cooking at The Wharf. Sandwich competition

Brandon: I saw you last night. I was bartending at the boat bar and I told myself that  couldn’t be you and then I saw FB.

Me: You are giving me the chills

Brandon: I’m upset I did not say something last night. Do you have any plans for breakfast?

my son with fish he caught
Brandon helped Will land this shark

Meeting Brandon is the highlight of my time in Orange Beach. He loves my son and shares many “Will” stories I haven’t heard before. We laugh and we cry. He insists on driving me to the airport tomorrow at 3:30 in the morning. He’s Will’s brother taking care of Will’s mom. The love is immense. This is my prize. This is the catch of the day. This is why I am meant to be at the World Food Championships. A chance meeting, a mutual love and a reminder my dear boy will never be forgotten. Once in awhile I need that.

whoosh heart

Grief Lessons, sandwich grief, World Food Championships

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. patrice says

    November 13, 2016 at 8:50 am

    Gooosebumps … another plan that life had for you without your knowledge. How special … a higher meaning than any contest award – joyous for your ‘prize’ 😊❤️

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 10:20 am

      Thank you again for my WHOOSH magnet. I think it has special powers.

  2. Tag Sale Tastes says

    November 13, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Amazing story. When I saw on Instagram that heart-shaped red pepper ring in the lower right-hand corner of the picture above, I knew Will was with you there in Alabama. ❤️

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 10:19 am

      Isn’t that a wonder? I did not realize that pepper ring shape until after the photo was posted on IG. <3

  3. Kim (Life in the Van) says

    November 13, 2016 at 9:06 am

    Oh, Lisa, that gave me the chills and made me well up. You know that I do not believe in chance, orchestration, yes! There is no medal, no winning recipe, no time in the spotlight that can compare to this most awesome prize in your meeting with Brandon. Wow, just wow!

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 10:55 am

      A little divine intervention no doubt.

  4. Tracy says

    November 13, 2016 at 9:31 am

    I am sure Saucy Mama is proud of you as we all are. Clearly William sent his sign to say how proud HE is of you. Simply beautiful.

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 10:18 am

      I think you are right. We all can use signs that our loved ones continue to surround us.

  5. Cathy says

    November 13, 2016 at 9:33 am

    “Chance” meeting? I think not. I believe it is the same handprint on two hearts 💕 that brought you together. Beautiful Surprise …Yup! Chance….Uhuh. Nice one William

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 10:15 am

      I am really amazed that Brandon recognized me through a window and it was evening light and from a FB photo. The military boys have a keen sense and eagle eye. What a blessing to have him in my life. He hugs like William, too.

  6. Richard Beebe says

    November 13, 2016 at 9:54 am

    This gives me another serving of hope, Lisa, at a time when I needed it. Thank you for sharing and congratulations for truly winning the greatest prize you could have at this week’s competition: a reminder that love endures.

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 10:10 am

      and a very important reminder it is <3 It's an incredible feeling and may you always have it.

  7. Danielle Lieder says

    November 13, 2016 at 10:20 am

    Beautiful !!! ❤️ Gives me the chills! Brandon sounds like a special person .

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 10:22 am

      Amazing young man to reach out in the way that he did. He delayed a trip he was supposed to take just to spend some time with me.

  8. dutchbakergirl says

    November 13, 2016 at 10:23 am

    I literally had tears in my eyes..❤️Much love to you, Lisa. Your son really does has your back.

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 10:51 am

      love this thought…he liked to come from behind and wrap his arms around me in a bear hug

  9. laurielufkin says

    November 13, 2016 at 10:29 am

    Love love love!

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 10:46 am

      always a silver lining

  10. cookinformyboys says

    November 13, 2016 at 10:32 am

    Those untold stories, what a gift, like Will whispering in your ear. What a wonderful, wonderful story. Your boy . . .

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 10:45 am

      Right????? I learned a lot and enjoyed every word.

  11. Russ says

    November 13, 2016 at 11:38 am

    Hi Lisa,
    Our Susan is here and I read your beautiful story to her.
    It took a couple of deep breaths to finish.
    Ann no longer remembers.If I read it to her every 10 minutes,it would be new.

    If there are any doubters out there,the story of Brandon should dispell that.
    I’m sure you know that Atwood Road is once again filled with so many wonderful children.
    We feel so blessed.
    Love to you always.
    Russ,Ann,Susan and David.

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 11:55 am

      So kind and heartfelt. Love to you all.

  12. Laureen says

    November 13, 2016 at 11:47 am

    Wow! I love a good story that gives me goosebumps! Awesome . . . just awesome, Lisa.

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 11:53 am

      Thanks for reading <3

  13. Pam says

    November 13, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    Lisa
    What a truly amazing story! Your boy will always be with you and choreographing these serendipitous “woosh” moments when you least expect. God bless and hugs my dear Middlebury friend. Thank you for sharing

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 11:51 pm

      He continues to provide strength and light. Just what he did when he was alive. <3

  14. patcook1 says

    November 13, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    Oh, Lisa….I am sitting here reading your story and crying like a baby. What a wonderful thing to happen for you. Yes…..it was meant to be for you to be there, win or not. XXXOOO

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 11:52 pm

      Isn’t it something? I am constantly amazed by these moments and wish them for all grievers.

  15. Ronna F says

    November 13, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    This also gave me chills and moved me to tears. Amazing, special and so heart warming, Lisa.

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 11:53 pm

      It’s a hopeful happy message-happy tears only

  16. Colleen Sowa says

    November 13, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    Families are forever…. and little things like this mean so much… and let us know our loved ones are still with us… Crying…. and loving that you had this experience…. and shared it! xoxo

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 7:24 pm

      Just important to put all things in perspective. I’d lose a million and one contests if it meant having my son back. We all need a loving family and I hope that all my readers can rely on that

  17. carmel Desjardins says

    November 13, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    Mrs. Keys, there is a GOD!

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 7:21 pm

      I think so and I know William did too

  18. Mary beth says

    November 13, 2016 at 6:21 pm

    Beautiful Lisa, thanks for sharing. I lost my son and I know what it feels like to be with one of his friends, it’s like getting to hug your son if only for a minute.

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 7:23 pm

      100% for just a moment it feels like a hug from above. I am very sorry for your loss. Thank you for being here.

  19. Jodi says

    November 13, 2016 at 6:30 pm

    I can’t begin to tell you how badly my mascara needs repairing after reading this. How wonderful that you got to have that experience with Brandon. I’m sue you felt Will with you every moment. Hugs, my friend. And now I really need to fix my face. XO

    • Lisa says

      November 13, 2016 at 7:19 pm

      I sure hope every griever has a “Brandon” in their life. I can’t thank you enough for sharing a bit of Jodi with me this week. It was a fun ride and congrats on your top 10 win.

  20. Lisa Huff says

    November 14, 2016 at 3:05 pm

    Beautiful story that was definitely meant to be. 🙂

    • Lisa says

      November 15, 2016 at 8:51 am

      thanks for stopping by and grateful for the comment…..that meant to be feeling is a good one

  21. Barb says

    November 14, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    I couldn’t wait to read how this connection happened! What if he hadn’t seen you? What if he hadn’t contacted you? How wonderful! How amazing! How perfect! Something most, if not all, bereaved parents dream of – a connection to their late child! What a fantastic blessing. I can cry and smile all at the same time for this beautiful chance (but we know better – it was meant to be) meeting.

    • Lisa says

      November 15, 2016 at 8:42 am

      These kinds of experiences make me believe that he continues to watch over and take care of those he loves most. It isn’t just me these things happen to. Keep an open mind and I suspect all grievers can stay connected to those they love in some special way.

  22. Suzanne says

    November 26, 2016 at 11:12 am

    Beautiful story, Lisa – I’m so happy you keep sharing these moments with us – it shares your blessings far and wide.

    • Lisa says

      November 26, 2016 at 11:15 am

      My son is the gift that keeps on giving. I am grateful to find the blessing amidst what sometimes feels like out of my control chaos.

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Mom, wife, retired physician assistant and multi award winning home cook including Food Network CHOPPED CHAMPION

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