A Chinese-American Story of Love (Part VIII - section 1)

By Douglas Wagganer

Our dream trip to China is exactly how everything seemed to feel as we walked from the Arrival Gate towards the Main Terminal and Baggage Claims areas. The St. Louis Airport was the same as when we left two weeks earlier. The crowds were the same. The sights were unchanged. Everything was as it should have been. But, yet things were different. I now call it "Perspective of Reality". It was our outlook of the world that had grown to new understanding. We now knew that there was a whole new future for the three of us. The door was just opening for us, as we walked past the last Security Checkpoint Gate into the large crowd of our waiting friends and family members. I now knew I was beginning the true ultimate journey of Love.

The next 45 minutes were emotion filled. Friends, Colleagues, Family and Loved Ones were all around us. Everyone was congratulating us and wishing us so many happy wishes. Co-Workers and several of my Students from Vatterott College were holding up a large banner type sign of greeting. Balloons, Stuffed Animals and Flowers were bestowed on us from everyone in attendance. Tears flowed, Kisses and Hugs exchanged openly, and Smiles were everywhere.

Through all the pandemonium Maribeth remained calm and in awe of her surroundings. She was so cute in the little blue dress my mother had bought for us to bring her home in. I called the little blue and white dress a "Princess Dress". It will be an object I will hold close to my heart forever. I will always remember that afternoon and how beautiful my little Princess looked in her outfit.

What still stands out in my mind about that afternoon is just how many of our friends were waiting for us. Many took off work to share just that moment of our lives. All had come to honor my new daughter. All were there out of Love and Friendship. It was a point of realization; an opportunity for a person to realize how lucky he is in life. I thank God for all he has given me and for the blessings he has bestowed upon me. Most importantly for all our Special Friends I want to say Thank you for caring.