Yesterday I hugged a customer at the store. I am a hugger. I have always been a hugger, and I plan to stay that way. I believe hugs could save the world. I hug people, trees, dogs, cats, and the occasional lilac bush. I often end my notes with, “hugs….” A hug will set you free.
But yesterday this particular hug deeply changed my life forever.
A woman came to the store to shop in support of a local school. We were hosting a charity shopping day at the store. She bought a pile of gifts. She was generous with her shopping, both in what she chose for others and in splurging a bit to help the school. At one point, she handed me two handmade artist plaques and said she wasn’t sure who she would share them with, but she just knew they would love them.
When we were finishing her sale, I found myself in a conversation with her about her battle with cancer. She has stage 4 colon cancer. She has been in treatment for over two and half years. She is beautiful. If she didn’t have the tell-tale regrowth hair that often screams CANCER to the world, I would have never known she has cancer.
She spoke frankly with me. She never looked away. She was honest, direct, kind, and flawlessly open. She didn’t feel sorry for herself. She did not hide her pain or dramatize it. She was heroic.
I came around the counter and asked if I could hug her. She graciously said yes. We embraced for longer than you would normally hug a person you just met. Her hug was warm, kind, and open, just like her words.
I had to take a handful of deep breaths when she left. My life was forever changed. I believe I will remember our exchange for the rest of my life. My wish is that the memory will come to me often. I deeply hope I can grow to be as honest, giving, calm, and willing to be fully alive as this remarkable woman.
What happens next is unknown for her and for me, but isn’t that reality for all of us?
Hugs…
Here is a handful of hug-moments. Note the joy, love, and happiness being shared.
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Where or where is the photo of you kissing and hugging the tree in front of STUFF? I will forever remember that hug … and many more.
Beautiful post…it made my day! My 27 year old daughter was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and just recently passed the 10 yr mark. I am thankful everyday to have her and yes hugs proved very helpful to me during that time. I am sure you did as much for her as she did for you.
And that’s how hugs heal the world. She hugs you and you pass the hug along to all the rest of us. Thanks so much for sharing this today!
WOW. You’re right, hugs do change the world, and we are often so stingy with them, or afraid to ask for/offer one when needed. Hugs from my loved ones are certainly the best part of my day. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story and reminding me that hugs are so important!