I was traveling from Boston to Denver, and the departure area for my flight was buzzing with stern-looking men in dark suits talking into their lapels. I asked a flight attendant what was happening. She replied, "Just wait. You'll see."

After we settled into our economy-class seats, two of the dark-suited men arrived in first class, followed by former President Gerald Ford. I sat a few rows away! I thought, I've never met a President before. I'll go introduce myself.

But then I wondered, Why would he want to meet me? I didn't even vote for him!

Then I remembered that during my years in seminary, I had met President Ford's son, Mike. So I marched toward first class. Before the Secret Service men could stop me, I spoke boldly: "President Ford, I just wanted to meet you. I know your son, Mike."

We talked briefly, mostly about Mike. Mike's name gave me "authority" to approach the President.