Celebrating Reunions

Do you ever really pay attention to when the news stations report on a returning soldier or returning soldiers and the reunion moments with spouses and children? I do, and it gets me choked up each and every time.

The tears, the joy, the children hugging their moms and dads, come on, how can you not have your heart melt at such sights?

And by the way, whether you support the war or not, our soldiers rock and my belief is that they deserve all of the love and support we can give them upon their return, whether we are family or not. They are not driving policy, they are fighting for our freedom and safety and I for one appreciate them.

So the point of this column is the reunion, the reunion of people who have been separated for minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years. The reunion of people who have been separated by oceans and other borders.

I share this sentiment because as always I typically write about something I am observing or experiencing this week.

So while at the airport this week, I had the opportunity to watch as families, friends, and loved ones took the time to park the car and come inside the airport with signs and flowers to greet their returning traveler with emotion and physical signs of love and appreciation.

Then, as I waited for my own ride home at curb, I watched as husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, and friends picked up my fellow traveler. There were warm embraces, long embraces, and even prolonged kisses. People were eagerly and anxiously awaiting the reunion and it was wonderfully obvious for both parties as they juggled hugs, kisses, kids, luggage, and in some cases even dogs.

Then there were the colder reunions, the quick hug or sideways kiss, you know what I mean right? Like it was standard or routine, and just expected that someone would be there. They get in there car and right back into the status quo norm of life.

So let me share a little of my reality. I have two small dogs, and whether I am out of the house for 30 seconds to take the trash out or I am gone for a week of business travel, when I re-enter the house they are uncontrollably excited. It takes anywhere from a minute to five minutes to calm their excitement about our reunion.

So whether your children, your spouse, your friend, your neighbor, or any long lost comrade or workmate shows up at a bar, a restaurant, your home or church, treat the reunion as the most special moment in your day. The feeling you will receive, and the lives you will touch will make your day, their day, and the day of anyone jealously watching from the curb.

Thanks again for the emails, I really do try and answer each and every one. I would love to hear all about your thoughts on reunions and your long awaited next reunion at gotonorton@gmail.com.

Michael Norton, a resident of Highlands Ranch, is the former President of the Zig Ziglar organization and CEO and Founder of www.candogo.com.