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.
That’s wonderful! Sometimes, a hug is all that’s needed!