The everlasting hug

 

The past few visits, I have received the biggest hugs from dad. As soon as he sees me, he holds his arms out. When I embrace him, I feel the weight of the world release from my shoulders. I feel safe again, I almost feel like I used too. The hugs are different, but the same all in one. For instance…



His shoulder blades protrude more than I have ever noticed in my life, but his arms are still strong. Strong enough to hold me in a tight grip. His embrace still tells me he is my dad and will do what he can for me. He doesn’t smell like Old Spice any more, but he still has a comforting smell. One that I wish I could bottle and take with me. He doesn’t always know who I am, but he hugs me like he has known me my whole life.



I read once that you should never be the first one to let go from a hug. You should hug the person as long as you can until they let go. I have used this rule with my boys since they were old enough to hug me on their own. I never let go first and I never will. Doing this simple act, has taught me that I usually need that hug more than them. I find comfort in their hugs. My husband is a hugger and I am not. My youngest gives hugs out like candy to anyone and everyone. My oldest, hugs me, his dad, and grandma. Everyone else is greeted with a fist bump. Could be because he is now a teenager, but I remember even when he was younger he didn’t hug a lot of people. We would take him to see Santa Clause and he would ask me, “Do I have to hug him?” I guess I never have been a huge hugger either, but as time passes and I am faced with the hurdles of life , the more I realize the power of a hug. Such a simple way to tell someone they mean something to you. No words are needed, just an embrace. That is pretty powerful.



So as long as my dad wants to hug me, I will always hold on until he lets go. It seems so simple, but speaks louder than any words can. (Silver lining).