A Simple Hug Means So Much

Last weekend I was able to see some members of my extended family for the first time in well over a year.  As I watched everyone talking and laughing, I was overwhelmed with happiness.  I was happy that we were together again.  I was happy that we could sit and talk.  I loved seeing the young people (I used to be one of them!) laugh and play with the babies in the family.  The senior members of the family (I think I am now one of them) all seemed so joyful to be together.  It was so wonderful.

The last year or so has been chock full of challenges.  We’ve been through so much and when I say “we”, I mean all of us on this planet.  There hasn’t been anyone that I know who hasn’t been impacted by the pandemic whether it’s the loss of a job, a serious Covid illness or the loss of a friend or family member.  Just last week a dear friend lost his daughter to Covid.  She was in her mid-forties.  It was heartbreaking.

As I watched people talking and laughing, I was reminded how important it is to love and cherish each other.  Often, we let petty disagreements get the best of us and before we know it years have passed without being together.  Or worse yet, someone passes away without reconciliation.  This is so heartbreaking.

I know that this pandemic has hurt so many of us in countless ways, but I hope that there are some blessings that will come of it as well.  I mean, how could we have gone through all of this without something good coming out of it?

What I know for sure is that I am more determined than ever to be someone who tells my friends and family that I love and care about them.  I want to continue hugging people and telling them that I appreciate their being in my life.  And I want to continue feeling grateful for my blessings.  Will I do this perfectly?  Probably not, but I will give it my best because it’s important to me to do so.

I hope that you’ve discovered something for which to be grateful as well.  If you’re missing someone, let them know.  If you love someone, let them know.  And the next time you see a family member or friend, let them know how much they mean to you.  I hope you give and receive many many many hugs in the months ahead!

Big hug to all of you.  I am so grateful to anyone who takes the time to read anything I’ve written.  Be well my friend.