THE FINAL HUG
We were introduced through common friends and got along extremely well. He worked day and night but somehow always made time for his near and dear ones. I wasn’t sure if I was one of them but whenever he was around, I was at ease. If something worried me, I could confide in him. I could share what was on my mind. I could be myself with him.
As we got closer, I found myself wanting to invite him all the time; be it a simple get-together at my home or a rocking party at a club. I wanted him to join us, friends, on a holiday. I wanted him to join us on an international trip. I even asked him to join me for ballroom dance lessons. I was so at ease with him.
And the most amazing quality he had was the way he handled children; with pure love and care as if they were his own. He played with them like he was their age despite being one of us. He would spend time with my 2-year-old and even feed her without any fuss and neither would be bored of the other. He was also a magnet when it came to making friends. People were attracted to him. He had charm. He had charisma. He was the epitome of unconditional love.
And then we were woken up one morning with the shocking news of his passing.
I felt a shooting pain in my chest. I felt a void deep down inside me. I broke. I was shattered. I felt anxious; wishing this was simply a misunderstanding. Slowly, I realized that I was connected to him in a way that I had never imagined. I realized how much I missed him and needed him to come back.
I attended the Church services kept in his honour and met his friends and family, some for the first time. No one seemed interested in life anymore. Everyone was in tears. He was the light of his family. He was the ‘sound of music’ for us friends. Everybody missed him and wondered why it was him that God had taken away. I didn’t know how to get rid of this pain I felt inside and I couldn’t even begin to imagine how his family felt.
A few days later, after several painful thoughts of him, I had a dream. It was a typical partying scene, with friends and family all over the place and balloons for the children. I spotted him and smiled. He approached me to engage in a conversation of some sort. I couldn’t recall the topic of discussion but I was happy he was there. I was overjoyed that he was alive and in front of me. And then we hugged. It was a long overdue hug for which I was thankful. It was a hug that made me feel better. And then it dawned on me that it was a hug to say his final goodbye.
Amazingly, after many sad mornings, I had woken up with a smile. I felt good. The heaviness inside me was no more. I felt like a chapter of my life had closed with that simple hug and I was ready to move on. After several days, I felt alive.
And then I discovered the importance of a simple hug. I realized what was missing in our relationship; a HUG. The hug that should have been given every time we met. The hug that should have been exchanged every time we parted. The hug you give someone, just in case you never see them again. The hug that is almost always the answer to everything. The hug that finally took my pain away.
Do you hug your near and dear ones every time you meet or say goodbye?
14 Comments
Such a touching story! Every kind of relationship needs closure. And we might never know what’s going on in someone’s life or whether we are going to meet someone again or not. Again, there comes the importance of kindness. This story is a reminder that be kind to your friends always and hug your close ones even tighter!
This blog post beautifully captures the profound significance of a simple hug in our relationships. It’s incredible how such a seemingly small gesture can carry so much weight and meaning. Reading this, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own interactions with loved ones. It’s a reminder that we often underestimate the power of physical touch and the comfort it can provide, especially during difficult times. I couldn’t agree more that a hug is often the answer to everything, offering solace, reassurance, and a sense of connection that words alone can’t convey. I’ll definitely be more mindful of hugging my near and dear ones every time we meet or say goodbye from now on. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt insight!
A wonderful touching story Cindy! I loved the equation between them. Not too close yet not too far. But he shld not have been gone. I hoped for a wonderful ending. But so true… a hug is so important and shld not be taken for granted.
It’s my story… and a friend who suddenly passed away!
Jaadu ki jhappi! Yes a hug works wonder & helps to relieve so much stress & pain, give comfort & love.
Love it.
It is a very touching and poignant tale. The power of touch, of a huge is really unfathomable. It was nice this post and it truly touched a chord within me. Sandy N Vyjay
Such a touching and heartfelt story. You have captured Emotions beautifully. The final hug leaves a lasting impression. I am going to hug more often.
Aww… it is such a emotional narration. Hugs are important in every personal relation. Beautifully woven story.
Cindy, your post truly touched my heart. It’s amazing how a simple hug can hold so much significance and comfort, especially in times of loss. Your story reminds us all of the importance of showing our love and affection through hugs to our near and dear ones. Thanks for sharing this heartfelt reflection. Sending you a virtual hug to you.
Awww, one to you too!
Really connected to the feelings,i liked ur idea cindy….. a hug is a life changer, i wish all the hatreds vanishes through a hug and never can be any ego’s, hatredness, revenges and heart break.
Very true but sometimes we take people for granted and not hug them everyday….
What a beautiful blog post and what a great reminder. Thank you for this!
My pleasure… 🙂