Airports always fascinate me. I love to people-watch and observe. To understand this poem fully, you must imagine a packed airport with almost every seat taken at the gate. (This was a time when the family could stand at the arrival/departure gates.) Suddenly, a throng descends upon the area approximately 15 minutes before the plane’s expected arrival–the one that we planned to board. The noise, the excitement, the anticipation began to envelop all. We questioned who Josh must be–the signs indicated his name. We guessed that he was someone famous from the area, perhaps an athlete. Much to our surprise, we saw this quiet young man, somewhat dazed by all the attention, emerge from the plane and be engulfed by the waiting greeters. Just as quickly as the throng descended upon the gate, it disappeared with much hugging, tears, and joy. I was very moved by this momentary human drama where I played the unknown observer.
The event described occurred years ago during our layover in Salt Lake City. After residing in Utah over the years, we have witnessed many such celebrations as missionaries return to Utah. They are joyous occasions.
Picture licensed through depositphotos.com.
(Picture licensed through depositphotos.com