1 The Red Thread of Fate
Welcome to the very first edition of The Gratitude List.
The Legend
It felt like the invisible string Taylor Swift sings about — her nod to the East Asian legend of the Red Thread of Fate. This beautiful myth, rooted in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cultures, says that an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet and form a meaningful bond, regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
It’s often described as a magical connection, one that may stretch or tangle over time, but will never break.
That’s exactly how our story feels — like something unseen was guiding us all along.
The Night We Met
We met in 2004 at a business cocktail party in Chicago. It was the kind of event I usually only attended if I was launching something — and at the time, I wasn’t. I had no agenda, no pitch, and honestly, no desire to network. I almost didn’t go.
I was a year out of a ten-year relationship — a good man, but we never had that soul-level connection. I wasn’t looking for anything new, especially not at a cocktail party. And Scott? He was going through a messy separation of his own. Romance was the last thing on either of our minds.
But fate had other plans.
After some convincing from my business partner, I agreed to go. I was staying at the House of Blues that week for the trade show and had actually met Scott earlier that day — just a quick hello on the convention floor. So when we walked into the cocktail party that night and the first table he spotted was Scott’s, it felt like an easy place to land.
We sat down with his team, and I planned to have one drink, maybe two, then retreat to my room for a bubble bath and some room service.
Instead, Scott and I ended up talking for hours — deep conversation, laughter, that unmistakable feeling that we were exactly where we were supposed to be. Time didn’t just pass; it disappeared.
A Missed Connection (That Was Always Meant to Be)
What makes it even more magical?
We later realized that for six years before that night in 2004, we had both been attending the same annual party — one hosted by my business partner. Same event. Same space. Same energy. Year after year.
But somehow, never the same moment.
Not once did we meet. Not even in passing.
Looking back, we can only laugh — and marvel.
Because maybe it wasn’t time yet.
Maybe we had to grow into the people we were meant to be — before the thread could tighten and pull us together.
Maybe the universe was just waiting for us to be ready for a love that would change everything.
Whatever the reason, we believe that red thread was there all along — just quietly waiting in the background, gently stretching across time and space, until the moment was finally right.
A Soul Connection
It was an instant soul connection — a knowing. A feeling like we had known each other all our lives. The joy and spark between us was electric, spiritual even — something hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it. Because when you meet the one, it’s unmistakable.
It answered the question I didn’t even know I’d been carrying:
How do you know when someone is the one?
If you don’t know — or if you have to ask — they probably aren’t.
Scott
And Scott... he’s such a good man. Kind, funny, and brilliant — the kind of person who can bring calm to chaos and make anyone feel seen. He’s a rock, steady and strong, even in the hardest moments. He’s diplomatic, generous, thoughtful, and deeply loving. He has this quick wit — always ready with a clever comeback or funny one-liner — and he knows the most random bits of trivia, the kind of facts that somehow always come in handy.
I admire the way he moves through the world with heart and integrity. Every single day, I’m grateful for him.
Transformation Through Crisis
Since then, we’ve weathered a lot — many ups and downs. But going through Scott’s health crisis was the most transformational experience of our lives. It taught us what love really means. What it feels like to live in gratitude — not just say the words. And how to find joy again — not just in the milestones, but in the moments between.
We’ve come to believe that many of life’s hardships are actually our greatest gifts — it just takes a perspective shift to recognize them. What once felt like devastation became our awakening. The pain cracked us open and allowed light to pour in.
Prepared for the Storm
Looking back, I’m even grateful that I had struggled with my weight — because it led me to start researching low-carb, keto, and healing through food long before Scott’s diagnosis. I had spent countless hours reading, experimenting, and learning.
And when we got the news, I didn’t feel powerless. I felt prepared. I had a sense — deep down — of what might actually help. That wasn’t an accident. It was part of the thread.
Reflection
We begin this Gratitude List by honoring the invisible thread that brought us together —and the love that keeps us here.
Anyone who knows us can probably feel it. When people think of Scott, they naturally think of Scott and Kristy. And when they think of me, it’s Kristy and Scott. It’s always been that way — not just our names, but a feeling of us.
We don’t just live side by side — we move through life as one.
Like our hearts just decided long ago to walk this life hand in hand.
Quote to Carry With You
“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.”
Today’s Gratitude Prompt
Take a quiet moment and reflect:
Who is someone in your life that you were “meant” to meet — someone whose presence changed your path?
Write them a note of thanks today, even if you never send it. Just feel the gratitude flow.
With love and gratitude,
Kristy
Love Gratitude Joy — it’s a lifestyle.
Radiate love. Practice gratitude. Seek joy.
(supervised, of course, by Jack 🐾)
