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Vintage Dilbert
March 30, 2001

My husband had to take a business trip this week. It is only the second time we have been apart in our three years of marriage.

I always hate when he leaves. I arrive at the airport at least a half hour in advance in the event his plane should arrive early. We live in Canada, and he flies through the Toronto airport.

For anyone who has ever traveled through Toronto, you know how busy it can get. I was surprised though how busy it was for a Tuesday evening. There were hundreds of people waiting in an area made for half that many people. Everyone was trying to squeeze as close as they could to the ramp where the departing passengers emerge.

I stood back a bit since I still had time to wait for my husband. For the next forty-five minutes, I watched the crowd.

There were people holding balloons, teddy bears, and flowers waiting for their loved ones. There were people videoing reunions and people taking pictures of friends and loved ones as they embraced for the first time. There were French kisses (a kiss on each cheek) and French kisses (the passionate kisses of lovers, who have been apart too long).

There were hugs, smiles, tears and more hugs. As one man came down the ramp, a group of about 20 people started cheering. There was a young woman who dropped her luggage halfway down the ramp and ran into the arms of the young man, who was so excited to see her.

Minnie, Mickey, Eeyore and Pooh arrived in the arms of a group of children, who went running into the waiting arms of parents and grandparents.

I saw so much love in that waiting area that, as I was standing there, waiting for my husband, I could not help but wonder what the world would be like if everyday life were like the waiting area of that airport.

Imagine how loved we would all feel if at the end of every day, we were welcomed home with hugs, kisses and smiles, and knew how much we were valued and missed.

A few minutes later, I saw the love of my life, coming down the ramp. I knew the smile on my face matched all the others in the crowd, and it wasn’t long before I was in his arms. As we headed out of the airport hand in hand, I looked over my shoulder and smiled as the next group of passengers came walking down the ramp.

By -  Donna G.

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