It’s no coincidence that I drew about coincidence today.

J.C.U. 1987

Part 1: I remember Jackie from my days working at Eulipia Restaurant in San Jose, California.  We, along with our many co-workers,  work intensely hard under incredible stress then hang out and relax after the shift.  We do this for almost a decade together.  We all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses pretty well.  I know her as being, first and foremost, very strong.  She can pull more than her weight in work, surpassing almost anyone else in energy, going for hours and hours without a break.  She can also be emotional, with strong feelings and strong opinions.  And she has the ability to have a great deal of fun.  She is the epitome of the saying ‘work hard, play hard’. I think she is a fantastic woman and love working with her.  I have the opportunity to draw her a few times over the years.


We reconnect on Facebook in 2010.  I find out that she is married with children and is into martial arts and kick boxing. That strength I saw way back when obviously has found an incredibly positive outlet. I read about her enthusiasm and love of her sport. I see photos of her training, fighting and enjoying her life.  I am very happy for her.

ronald (far right)

Part 2: I am speaking at a conference in 2011.  I am 1,600 miles and 24 years away from the drawing I did of her.  I meet a fellow speaker, Ronald Skelton, for the first time.  We have the group photo taken of all the speakers and it’s posted on Facebook.  I am tagged in it so it shows up on my FB wall.  Jackie visits my wall and sees the photo.  She comments : ‘Wow, I know two people in Oklahoma (both on my Facebook), and they’re both in this photo. Ron Skelton used to train at my martial arts school, Tribull, and still helps us periodically with our web site! Small world.’


Jackie (2nd from left)
ronald (middle in red)



Part 3: I contact Ronald and we talk about the coincidence. He shows me a photo of the two of them together in a group shot from 2004.


Part 4: Ronald and I are going to get together, see how we can help each other in the future.


Part 5: I love coincidences.  They make me smile.
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Drawing and story by Marty Coleman of The Napkin Dad Daily


Quote by Emma Bull, 1954-not dead yet, science fiction author
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One year ago today at the NDD – Sometimes You Really Dig A Girl