Recently I came across a typical story written by one Chong Sheau Ching. The story, live or fabricated, contained a strong moral. The author was waiting at the Portland airport (Oregon) to pick up a friend. While he was straining to locate his friend from among those deplaning from the Jet, he could not resist noticing a man coming toward him carrying two light bags. His family, just next to him, was waiting to welcome this man.
The man laid down his bags; first he moved to his six years old youngest son and gave a long loving hug. As they separated enough to look into each other’s face, the father said, “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 (maybe nine or ten) and while cupping his son’s face in his hands said, “You’re already quite the young man. I love you very much, Zach!” They too exchanged a most loving and tender hug. While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one-and-a-half) 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. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder, motionless in pure contentment. 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, while holding both hands. The author of knew by the age of their kids that they couldn’t possibly be newlyweds.
Quite puzzled at this reunion for a moment and excited at their expression of unconditional love, the author asked the man, “Wow! How long have you two been married?” “Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those.” He replied, without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife’s face. “Well then, how long have you been away?” he asked again. The man finally turned and looked at him, still beaming his joyous smile. “Two whole days!”
The author says that he was stunned. He said, “I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!” The man suddenly stopped smiling. He looked him straight in the eye, and with forcefulness that burned right into his soul, he told him, “Don’t hope, friend… decide!” The author concludes saying that these words left some long lasting marks in him. I also wish, if we too decide to fill every moment of life with love unconditional.
