While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport, I had one of those life-changing experiences that you hear other people talk about — the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly. This one occurred a mere two feet away from me.

I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family. First he motioned to his youngest son as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, loving hug. I heard the father say, “It’s so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!” His son smiled somewhat shyly, averted his eyes and replied softly, “Me, too, Dad!”

Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son and while cupping his son’s face in his hands said, “You’re already quite the young man. I love you very much,” They too hugged.

While this was happening, a baby girl was squirming excitedly in her mother’s arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, “Hi, baby girl!” as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side.

After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, “I’ve saved the best for last!” and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then silently mouthed. “I love you so much!” They stared at each other’s eyes, beaming big smiles at one another.

For an instant they reminded me of newlyweds, but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn’t possibly be. I puzzled about it for a moment then realised how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love.

I was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, “How long have you two been married?” “Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those.” he replied, still gazing at his wife. “How long have you been away?” I asked, the man finally turned and loo-ked at me. “Two whole da-ys!” I was stunned. By the intensity of the greeting, I had assumed he’d been go-ne for at least several weeks. I know my expression betrayed me, I said almost off-handedly, “I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!” The man suddenly stopped smiling.

He looked me straight in the eye, and with forcefulness that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me, “Don’t hope, friend... decide!” He flashed me his wonderful smile and shook my hand.

With that, he and his

family turned and strode away together. I was still watching that exceptional man and his special family walk just out of sight when my friend came up to me and asked, “What are you looking at?” Without hesitating, and with a curious sense of certainty, I replied, “My future!