Writing Samples: "A Precious Hug"

Perhaps someone says something to you as they give you the hug you like best. Maybe they say nothing at all. Your best hugs come from the person or people you feel closest to, and you welcome them as often as possible. It might be that these special hugs can only envelop you rarely, because that person has moved away and you do not see each other as often as you wish you could. The person who gave you the most precious hugs might no longer walk this earth, and only their memory remains.

Yet, when you experience or did experience having their arms wrap around you and hold you tightly, there could be no safer place in all the world. There you were loved and appreciated. You were accepted just as you were - no conditional love there. There was warmth beyond natural body heat. There might have been passion or a promise of some to come.

You agree mutually that there is a bond among the two of you which is expressed by hugs. Such a physical encounter perhaps says volumes on the way you regard each other. Even if neither of you says a word, there are words spoken here. They are silent sounds, which say “I love you.” or “I will miss you.” or “ My heart is glad upon seeing you, again.” There could be more words spoken in a hug than can be expressed by a thousand mere sounds.

A special hug could mean forgiveness or appreciation, all without saying a thing. Hugging an elderly person could express the all important recognition that they are known to exist and someone took the time to come to them and touch them in this manner. The hug of recognition might be the most overlooked reason for hugging each other. You know what it means to you, but you haven’t put yourself in another’s lonely state enough to get you to hug others more often.

Create your own silent sound today. Hug someone who you feel needs to be held in this personal way. Don’t qualify people and decide whether he or she deserves a hug. We all require hugs. When we hug someone, we give a part of ourselves to them. The time involved is used for their benefit. The energy consumed offers them hope and a realization that they are not alone. Dare to share a hug. Make yourself vulnerable to perhaps being rejected. People need you just as you need other people.

The sign of affection you share today might resound in the other person’s mind for a long time to come - especially when it is one of those precious hugs.

The End