I believe that a lot of things happen for a reason. For example, I moved from a small city to a very large one - uncharcteristic of me - to get away from my ex. While there, my step mother became terminally ill. Since I then lived closer to them, I was able to see them regularly and I mended fences with her (before she got sick) which I may not have done from a large distance. After she died, I was able to be there for my Dad.