A Hug From The Mailman

Yesterday, the mailman gave me a hug.

I have known Art for 8 years.  We’ve shaken hands, given high fives, pounded knuckles; this was our first hug.

Everyday he delivers mail, we discuss life…family, sports, weather, God, beer, home improvement, and Art’s hometown of Whittier.  We’ve had lunch together a few times and he feels comfortable enough around me to use a swear word, now and then, when it is necessary to make a point.  No, we are not facebook friends.  But, yes, I know his daughters’ names.  We are true friends.

What’s the big deal?  I don’t know.

I do know that I need to have more people in my life like Art.  He had a rough weekend (his uncle died) and he needed a hug from a friend.  No macho attitude.  Nothing phony.  Just a regular guy who was genuine and brushed aside my attempt at a hand shake (I hadn’t seen him in 4 days) and pulled me in for a manly hug.

Thanks, Art.  I needed that, too.