Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share a story about unexpected connections, divine moments, and the quiet ways in which kindness shapes our lives.

In 2017, I met Cindy—an accomplished pianist, swimmer, engineer, and cybersecurity specialist—just after her brain tumor surgery. Our bond grew as she navigated treatment with strength and thoughtfulness, always asking deeper questions and challenging herself to find peace amid uncertainty.

She found solace in music, playing the grand piano in the cancer pavilion waiting room, filling the space with beauty and calm. But beyond music, she was also a writer. Over five years of appointments, Cindy and I exchanged stories—hers, sent between treatments, became more than reflections. They became her legacy.

In this episode, I share her first story, The Gift, a moving tale of loss, divine coincidence, and the mystery of life’s unexpected moments. It’s a reminder that there are no coincidences, only profound connections waiting to be seen.

Join me in honoring Cindy’s words and exploring how kindness, even in the smallest gestures, truly changes everything.