Oh... that must have been a hell of an experience. I gess it must have been traumatic for a long while.

But for the man to take an unusual route just to be there the exact day and time when his family needed him most?

I can't believe that could be a coincidence. In their place, I would thank the gods and be happy for whatever good deeds they had done to earn for that close call to end on the bright side.

On a more mundane side, you jave a pleasant writing style.