I had a middle school student who was coming unraveled in every way today.
He walked up to me and said, "Today just isn't so good."
I sighed, looked him in the eye and said, "Can I give you a one minute hug?"
He shrugged and said, "I guess."
I said, "You have to commit for the whole minute, can you do that?"
He said, "I guess."
So the hug began.
At 20 seconds he whispered, "Why one minute?"
I whispered back, "So my heart can talk to yours."
By 30 seconds his squeeze tightened, and by 45 seconds his head was on my shoulder.
At 60 seconds I said, "You made it."
He didn't move.
Ten more seconds passed.
I said, "It's time."
He said, "Thanks for talking to my heart."
He looked me in the eye and half smiled.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but today, that child was loved, if only for 70 seconds.
Love them all.
The world needs more hugs.
A pair of green Converse high tops were worn by ten-year-old Maite Rodriguez, one of the victims of the Uvalde massacre. She had drawn that heart on her shoe.
“These are the same green Converse on her feet that turned out to be the only clear evidence that could identify her after the shooting.” - Matthew McConaughey
You have a way of pushing all my buttons, hitting all my emotions. Deep sorrow and tears. It's okay, I know I'm still alive and can still feel this pain, the numbness and blase attitude has not become the norm.
ReplyDeleteMilleson - I'm sorry to push your buttons, but this needed to be shared.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. On both. I’d read about the Converse, Matthew McConaughey had brought them up in his speech. It’s some world the fkn repugs have made.
DeleteOh, McCaunahay was PISSED when he gave that speech. I sure wish it would've actually done some good. I think the Dems are crazy to give into the GOP just so everyone can say "well, we did something." Yeah, the very least they could do. This country is so fucked up.
ReplyDeletePat & Anon@7:39am - This country is definitely going down the toilet.
ReplyDeleteSadly, yes.
DeleteThe hug!!
ReplyDeleteI am spent!!
I am in tears!!
You never know what folks are going through. Many times it is not just words but action. A simple hug. A silent hug. Many times it is more effective just to be present and silent.
VRCooper - We all could use more of that.
ReplyDeleteThat first story is a tearjerker. And that last one is just sad.
ReplyDeleteThe sorrow hit me again, Rick. But thanks for reminding me that I mustn't lose that sorrow or the anger at those who ignore basic human needs. This society is sick.
ReplyDeleteTaurus - Indeed it is.
ReplyDelete