The Power of a Hug

Listening to The Gift from Gary Numan’s Intruder album and reflecting on the power of a hug.

Healing power.

As I Am Screaming starts up I recall a time when I was walking in downtown San Diego and a “hobo” (dated term I know) stepped in my path – not too close – and said with a smile – and arms open wide – “There’s someone who needs a hug.”  And oh did I need one at that moment.

I was caught up in EMF Sensitivity Hell.

Smiling and trying not to cry I walked straight into his embrace and accepted all the love he was willing to give.

More Recently

Months back while at a working lunch I looked up to see a man looking as if he was about to fall apart.

He was sandwiched between high schoolers in line for pizza or bread sticks/salad for lunch before running back to school.

I mouthed “Are you okay?”  Without saying a word he shook his head side to side.  I immediately stood and went to him thinking to hug him.

I Froze

I asked if it was okay if I hugged him.

He nodded, said nothing – looked close to crumpling.

I pulled him into a hug and said “It’s going to be okay.  I promise.  It’s going to be okay.  You’re going to be okay.”

He nodded on my shoulder – held me tight – shoulders shaking as he silently cried and said nothing.

No words were needed.

At some point I went back to my lunch – felt a bit embarrassed at the idea all these high school boys waiting for pizza saw such a display of emotion.  

Long Ago

Pontiac Eats And Beats

I ran into a former coworker while Aaron and I attended the festival.  I threw my arms around him.

We’re survivors of a toxic work environment from hell.

He held me so tight – stepped back and said “You have the best hug.”

Life

Interpretation.

I’ll leave it to readers to decide what the energy of a hug means but I’ll leave you with this.  Months ago a friend told me Psychedlic Furs were touring.  She knows how passionate I am about music – thought attending would bring me joy.

She also knows how much I love the opener – Gary Numan – which I’m listening to as I type this one-handed.

Doo-doo happens

Recently.

Slipped – put my left hand out reflexively – broke my arm.

Bummer man.

I can’t begin to express the mental/emotional toll this – in spite of lack of pain – no need for pain meds – has taken on me.

We met up with the friend who told me about the concert.  After hugging me gently she smiled pointed and said “That was me at the Cure” and in that moment healed a part of me that though isn’t physical is nonetheless broken because of what at the end of the day is an accident.

People?  Hugs heal.

Hugs convey love freely given.

Never doubt the power of love.

To heal.

Be well.