the best feeling

I always wondered what the best feeling in the world could be. And now I know what that feeling is.

We got off the plane after a night of little sleep and lots of diarhea.  Descending the plane's steps, we were greeted by the frigid air of the new home of the child wrapped in our arms. Blankets were hastily wrapped around them as we crossed the tarmac into the room of waiting parents. Walking through the door, it was amazing to see the people, eyes eager and wet, arms empty but soon to be filled with the most amazing bundle of joy. I gave my child's name as the volunteer scanned the names on his list and pointed me in the direction of the two people who were waiting for the boy I held in my arms. Choking back my own emotion, I made my way over and smiled, holding out their son. He did not resist the arms that enveloped him, the arms of his family. She looked at me, tears in her eyes, silent gratitude emanating from her as she squeezed my arm. It was the same for the rest of the families in the room. Smiles and tears and bottled emotion spilled over from every corner, and I wonder if I have ever felt so much love and warmth and relief in one place.
I took it in, my own eyes wet, and then walked outside to get my luggage, knowing that it was not anything special to bring with me. Not like what I had just experienced.