The Power of H.U.G.

Maybe hugs strike me so strongly because it was a foreign concept during my moody blues, lone-wolf childhood. I didn't want hugs and rarely gave hugs. Because of that background, noticing the hug that is forced is a natural sense.

The kinds of hugs are as many as there are flavors of ice cream. There are cordial ones, thank-you hugs, greeting hugs, stoic hugs, half hugs, obligatory hugs. And then there is the uninvited, un-coerced, surprise hug. Between two willing people. One with the warmth of emotion that lasts because the embrace was intentional, long, and most importantly safe for both. That is the kind of hug I'm talking about. Coming when it is least expected, making it most appreciated.

Identifying with my grandchildren triggers a "hug-void." I realize what I missed as a child. Even though tough Grandson #1 many times acts too old for hugs, his initiated, long, natural reflex bear hug remains keenly in my memory, days later. That boy knows how to hug! And remembering Grandson #2's pleas: "DeDe, am I going to sleep in the same room with brother so I won't be afraid?" And "DeDe, will you carry me?" (even though he is solid and heavier than I should lift). The requests make sense to me (it's scary for a 4-year-old to be separated from his parents for days) and I reply, "YES!" and again "YES!" Fulfilling those requests is like sending through time and space long-overdue hugs to my dearly-departed Dad.

And then during the last few farewell moments, there is puzzled Grandson #2's goodbye hug, "Are we leaving you, DeDe?" After being together for a short (but long) 3-nights, 2-1/2 -days straight visit, without their parents. Fishing and kayaking; building and running an obstacle course; creating cookie cutter Play-doh fish with 3-D gills; thrift store shopping; playing tabletop pool; building Lego sets together and a marble run course; eating breakfast pancakes, evening chicken nuggets, and Pineapple Whip; and, creating killer whale/Star Wars-themed video greetings to text to far-away Mom and Dad who busily paint and renovate their kitchen.

Time never stands still. It keeps on ticking. It will most likely be 3 months before our next visit together. Grandson #1's new front tooth will be fully grown in; and skinned knees will occur; and first grade and pre-school will begin for the boys. I realize that our short time together was a huge gift: "Thank you for coming SO FAR to visit DeDe and JJ!" H.U.G.  

H.U.G.
Help.Us.Give. more than we get. 

AND, 

He.Unconditionally.Gives. way more than we deserve.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

(Matthew 7:11)

Thank you, Lord, for filling my "hug-void."