The Welcome Committee

My wife told me some news today, that ignited my mind and guided what I knew needed to be written today.

I'm in very comfortable jeans and barefoot. It let's me and the people I'm strolling with enjoy the feel of the clouds on our feet. There a lot of people here, the rewarded ones. A line before me and others behind. No one is in a rush and no one is unhappy.

We approach the big city, a construction of gold and gems, with a beauty beyond description. The gate is huge, but the crowd slows down there. There is no pushing. No reason to rush. Clumps of radiant bodies sort themselves down to single file.

I can't see the greeter, but I know he is there.

I watch an angel, with urgent business, step gracefully to the gate. He stops for the greeter, too. He pauses and turns completely away from the man I can't see. "Glad to see your back!" the greeter says and the angel, with a smirk moves on.

I can't help but recognize that voice. It tickles a part of my brain.

Then I see him. I remember when he had to use a stool, but now he stands strong, on new legs. It is not his face or stature that catch my attention first. After his love of all those who enter, it is his accessories. He wears two pins on his brown suit jacket. The left is a simple red and white pin that reads, I brake for hugs. On the right is a small, credit card sized LED display that scrolls a message. Welcome to Heaven.

He takes his hugs seriously, too. He hugs everyone.

When it is my turn, I can't help but stare for a moment. I think he might not recognize me, but that is quickly dispelled. He look at me, proud to be able to greet me. I hug him with meaning I could never muster while we were on Earth.

He doesn't give me the one-liner or the quip I was expecting. Instead he has a question. "Did you greet the strangers? Did you hug your friends?"

I'm back at my desk at work, but for the moment he is here, if only in the residue of my imagination.

I will, Frank, I will.