“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12

When my brother Roger and I were little, my mom and dad worked separate shifts so that one of them would be with us all the time, and we would not have to stay in childcare. They made a huge sacrifice for us, by being apart for those years.

My mom worked first shift, and my dad worked second. Dad would come home sometimes for his dinner break. Roger and I loved playing hide and seek with him. We would watch for his truck lights, then run and hide behind the couch that butted up against the large picture window facing the front of the house. We would try our best to giggle quietly until he peered over the couch and shouted, “Grrrrrrr….!” Then our squeals would erupt and we would bolt out from behind the couch and into his arms. We’d laugh and laugh like it was a brand new trick even though we did it often.

I would give anything to have just one more of those hugs from my dad! He went home to be with Jesus this past January.  I miss him so much sometimes that I cannot breathe.

At the times both he and my mom passed away, I remember how much hugs helped me. Friends and family would visit. No words were necessary. Their hugs would bathe me like a soothing balm while I soaked their shoulders with my tears. My words can never express my full appreciation for all the love and prayers you poured on me and my family during that time. I will never forget it. It helped us through.

A hug can whisper 10,000 words to a broken heart. No matter how strong we are, we all have a weak point, and there are times when all we need is a hug.

It has been proven that hugs reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost our immune system, fight infections, ease depression and fight fatigue. Famous Psychotherapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”

I can believe it. If we had enough hugs, none of us would ever need medicine again.

This Sunday is my first Father’s Day since Dad has been gone. I am beyond heartbroken. If you run into me on that day and my eyes are red and swollen, don’t bother trying to find comforting words for me.  I’ll take a hug, please.

One more thing, please give your dad an extra lingering hug this year, reflect on your sweet memories of times spent with him, and let his love wash over you. All too soon he may be gone, and his hugs too. But today you can make memories.

How about you? Do you need a hug today? May you find it in the arms of a caring friend or family member. It’s okay to take the first step. If someone comes into your path today that needs a hug, how about giving them yours? Hugs are free, but can be priceless when given at just the right time. Pass it on.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost. If you have comments or memories to share with us about your special father, or how a hug has impacted your life, please reply below.

Dear Lord: Thank You for being our Good, Good Father and holding us in Your loving arms when we need it the most, and for the hugs of family and friends that mean so much to us. Thank You for comforting us so that we can comfort others. Please help us to be Your arms to reach out to others the way You reach out to us. Amen