A few years ago, authors Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz drove more than 10,000 miles across the United States. All along the way they interviewed people about the meaning of life.  They said that in their travels they may have discovered the most emotionally significant piece of real estate in the country.  It is the few square feet right outside the gate of each airport terminal.  On this patch of carpeted flooring, people greet loved ones who have just flown in.  The excitement builds as they search the crowds, looking for that one face they’ve been missing.  Bickel and Jantz write, “If you ever want a glimpse of true joy, go hang out at the airport . . . You’ll see the celebration of a lifetime.  And don’t be surprised if you hear a comment like, ‘I can’t believe you’ve been gone a whole w…