Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Chance Encounter

 “God’s will for you is good, pleasing and perfect." ~ Romans 12:2

On the day the World Trade Center fell, the Pentagon burned and passengers crashed their own plane, hundreds of aircraft carrying thousands of passengers were ordered to land.  Who knew how many additional suicide missiles were looming in the skies over America?

When the US closed its airspace, tiny Gander (pop. 11,000) International Airport in Newfoundland opened its runways, homes, and hearts, taking in 38 wide-body planes on transatlantic routes. 

The city lacked hotels or restaurants to accommodate nearly 7,000 passengers, but the community knew that the people from more than 100 countries were frantic.  Volunteers across Gander began delivering food and supplies directly to the stranded jets; still others prepared makeshift shelters. 

This is where one of the many inspiring stories of 9/11 unfolded.

Nick and Diane lived half a world away from each other before meeting on that somber day.  Their unlikely friendship began in a line to get blankets and supplies.  Diane commented to herself that it smelled of mothballs.

"It’s camphor," Nick added politely from behind her.

The two started chatting, finding odd humor in the odorous blankets, realizing they'd been on the same flight heading to Texas.  In this strange, albeit welcoming place, that coincidence seemed like something to nurture, at least for the time being.

Nick, a British businessman in his 50s, was heading to Texas for work.  Newfoundland was never on his travel agenda.  Diane was an American divorcee returning from visiting her son, a US airman stationed in England.

The next day, they watched disturbing accounts about the terrorist attacks in Pennsylvania, New York and Washington.  Horrified by the murderous events they decided to take a walk.  A local suggested they hike to the Dover Fault, a breathtaking geological structure formed 410 million years ago helping explain the evolution of the Appalachian Mountains.

It took five days for the relationship to bloom.  But, when it became time to leave, each wondered if their infatuation was merely one of necessity during such a traumatic experience; if their feelings would dissipate once they jumped back on life’s treadmill.

The answer would come less than two months later when Nick proposed to Diane over the phone, 5,000 miles apart.  Diane said, “Yes!!”  Their honeymoon?  Where else but Gander.

Once again, the newlyweds underestimated the extent of the Newfoundlanders hospitality.  They returned to a full-blown wedding reception, complete with a multi-layer cake, champagne, and gifts.  The mayor had even written the couple a song about how they’d met in Newfoundland, fell in love and got married.

“Come From Away,” which immortalized their chance meeting, debuted on Broadway in March 2017, becoming an immediate box office success.  Performances will resume later this month when theatres open again in NYC.  

Nick and Diane Marson have seen the show well over 100 times.

Almighty Father, You keep us guessing when it comes to the details of tomorrow.  Show me Your will, and change my ways so I can obey, make better choices and influence others so I can show them Your love.  Amen