Hugs

Isn't it wonderful to see someone and they give you a great hug?  I love to get hugs, don't you?  It doesn't even have to be after several loads of days have gone by.  It can be just after a few hours of seeing someone.

There are so many kinds of hugs--you know what I mean.  Some are those that are "almost hugs" for appearance sake.  In those hugs, there is usually little if any actual touching one another.  It may be like an arm partially around the other person and a "body lean in." 

This motion is quickly followed by the typical social comments--"Good to see you.  How's it going?"   But, most importantly, it is followed by a quick withdrawal--usually to the other side of the room.  These are often the "party hugs." 

Then there is the hug that's a little too long.  Generally, these are from those who have maybe, say, a different agenda than you do.  You do your best to avoid their hugs at all costs--unless...oh never mind that thought.  I don't know what I was thinking--I promise!

Of course there is the genuine hug that is when both arms go around your body or neck with a short squeeze included.  Hmm, those are nice.  They are given freely from old friends, moms and dads, children you haven't seen or won't see for awhile and maybe a few other special people.

Oh, and don't forget the hug from the grandchild or even any little one.  They are so pure and sweet.  Today, in fact, when the grandson woke up (of course in my arms), he looked up, smiled, and gave me a hug and a sweet kiss on the mouth no less.  So unsolicited.  So wonderful.

Even doing story times at the church, the children come give my legs hugs.  And did you know that with children, hugs generate hugs?  All of a sudden I will have a herd of children grabbing and hugging my legs or hugging someone who is hugging my legs. If you ever want to feel really important, read some stories to children.  They are so eager to express their adoration.  It does your soul good and you can easily get a few hugs.

Then occasionally, you will run across someone--sometimes male, sometimes female--that can give the ultimate hug.  That is when their shoulders as well as their arms encircle you; their shoulders mold around you and make you feel totally important to them.  Wow!  You feel empowered yet you wonder how they learned to hug so--well, so right.  It's like they are surrounding you with comfort, friendship, and mutual respect. 

I have a few friends that know how to hug like that and it always takes me back a bit with delight.  I love it and want to be that kind of hugger myself, but most often I forget with friends and acquaintances and give the hug that is somewhere between the same-o "glad to see ya hug," "we'll be friends forever hug" and "I can't really remember your name, but I know I know you" hug. 

I think I'll go practice my hugs on my husband and surprise the heck out of him.  I wonder:  Can you give one of those hugs when another is soaked into the sofa watching TV?

I'll let you know and maybe it will be before too many wagon loads of days go by again.  In the meantime, go give someone a really, really good hug.