My observations at the airport

I have spent a lot of time in airports these past 10 years. I even achieved medallion status with Delta! It is a place I don't mind being at all, because there is always something interesting going on and the feeling in the air is usually that of excitement, anticipation, and joy. Last night as I waited for a while for my "chauffeur" to arrive,(thanks Tim your were great, suit and all) I especially seemed to enjoy, just sitting and observing what has happening around me. There was a couple with a young child there to pick up the girls parents, what was interesting was the fact that they ALL where in their pajamas, slippers and all, and they were obviously very comfortable with their attire. Their appearance, was something I don't think i have ever seen anywhere,(in such a public place anyways)especially an airport, and I'm fairly certain never would have observed in Southern California. Next to me sat a grandpa waiting for his granddaughter. We discussed his attire because he was in shorts in 39* weather, and he felt it necessary to explain to me his choice, spring summer winter or fall, he wore shorts and nothing else.(I think he noticed the PJ'S group too) I knew his granddaughter as soon as I saw her. The look on her face, the embrace and tears that flowed freely when he asked if she was alright, and she shook her head NO. It broke my heart and I found myself instantly wanting to help, but there she was in Grandpas arms and I knew she would be OK. Then I observed a couple very professionally dressed walking arm in arm, quickly who were not paying any attention to anyone around, but stayed focused on their destination.On the other side of me was another grandpa, with arm crutches,nicely dressed,with a sweet smile, he spoke with a foreign accent,obviously a sweet old man. He greeted his daughter and his 2 granddaughters with open wide arms and such excitement, trying to stay in balance and not fall over from the twisted, crippled legs that held his small frame. After hello hugs, his daughter said with disgust on her face, "oh I'm too old for this". At this point, her father turns to grab his crutches and hurries to catch up to her as she leaves him there. Next I saw a young woman with a little girl maybe 3 or 4 in a stroller, come dancing through the security area, and run into the arms of a waiting man. She almost left her daughter behind, but she literally jumped on him and hugged him so tight I thought his head was going to pop off. He put her down and handed her a rose that had been his hand and now had recieved a little damage. An obvious happy reunion! Another young man was waiting and greeted his girl, with nothing more than a simple kiss, and off they walked holding hands, she being pregnant and they had matching tennis shoes that she wore with her dress. And then of course being in Utah, there were the welcome home balloons, and families waiting for missionaries returning home. A girls athletic team came through. I wondered what sport they played and where they were from. I reflected on the many times in the past, that i was there to greet others or be greeted. For me this was the first time I had had to wait for someone to pick me up, usually I rented a car or had mine waiting in the parking lot, so this was a new experience. I don't have a cell phone, and pay phones are a thing of the past, so I was feeling a little helpless and knew being patient was my only choice. I remembered all the times I was late picking up Kerry, and felt such sorrow, that I was not there to greet him with open arms. I'm so sorry babe! I'll try harder, promise. I also will never forget one trip Kerry and I took to Anchorage, Alaska and watched the reunion of one couple, that left us speechless, when we realized they couldn't seem to make it past the first phone booth to express their affection. (I'm haunted by this one, so tacky!) Last of course was the flight crew, one of which had been the crew from my plane. They had been so nice to me, since I had to sit on the plane with them for 45 minutes in Vegas, while they cleaned. I felt like I had made friends that day. And then of course there was the lady who sat next to me on the plane. I usually like to sleep, but recently I remembered being taught about our opportunities to do missionary work, and thought maybe I should try harder to be friendly and not covet my sleep. With all the traveling Kerry has done, he has had many opportunities to share his testimony just by telling people he was from Utah. I have seen him bring home business cards, and even send referral's for the missionaries. So this time I visited. And as we shared, I learned, and grew from that experience. What a blessing to me, to meet a perfect stranger, and yet someone who each were able to uplift one another over 1 1/2 hours through our sharing our lives experiences. I couldn't help but think that somehow my observations could have been filmed that day for some church movie. Because the greeting and welcoming that took place from those crossing over, reminded me of how someday it will be when we greet those loved ones who have gone before us. Grandparents, Mothers and Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Friends, all us know someone who we can not wait to embrace in our arms and weep at our reunion. I am greatful for my time waiting at the airport, because it just reminded me of something wonderful that I can look forward too with all those I have loved during my time here on earth.