A complete stranger wanted me to hug her today.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

I was at Starbucks this morning getting my Sunday dose of caffeine, when I overheard this woman tell the barista she'd just buried her husband yesterday. She was alone and she looked depressed and lonely, so I approached her and asked if she'd accept the condolences of a stranger. She said that not only would she accept them, but she was also accepting hugs if they were offered. I was honored to give her one. We spent a moment talking about her husband- he had been working in Houston as a hurricane recovery contractor. He died of a heart attack in his motel room on Thursday while she was here in Dallas.

I feel good for having approached her, and I believe I may have lessened her burden for a moment. The moral here is obvious, so I won't run on other than to say if the opportunity arises for you to touch another person's life, even if only in passing, seize the moment. You'll discover you're a better person for it afterwords, and the other person will have a better day because of it too.

[FedUpWithIt All]

1. Hugs can be healing.

:hug:

Thank you for your compassion and kindness.

:hi:

[LeftyFingerPop]

2. You done good.

:thumbsup:

[darkstar]

3. sweet in every way

thanks, human!

:hug:

[Danger Mouse]

4. Aw geez, and I was all set to say something obnoxious...

:cry:

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

6. LOL

It sucks when you can't use yer best jokes, doesn't it! :rofl:

[Danger Mouse]

7. Best jokes? Nah, they're all terrible.

But you're a good person. :pals:

[Connonym]

5. good on you

that was a great thing you did and I'm sure it helped her greatly. Not just for the moral support but the physical contact is such a great affirmation of life.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. My dear Prisoner_Number_Six...

When a gorgeous, compassionate guy like yourself hugs a woman who's in the throes of overwhelming grief and loss...

Well, it is a very positive and healing moment for you both...

Well done, sweetie...

:hug:

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

9. I believe that's the first time I've been called "gorgeous".

There's good reason for that- I ain't.

But thanks anyway! :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

10. Listen up!

I am EXPERT at male gorgeousness!

I've known a few in my day, and I say you qualify!

You're welcome, sweetie...:hug:

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

11. Sure you don't wanna rethink that statement?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. Nope...NO rethinking, lol!

That's not you, BTW...

I've seen your pictures, bub, and you are one handsome dude! SO THERE.

Just accept the fact that you're gorgeous, and we can get on with other things...

;)

[Angel]

13. The world needs more people like you

Seeing someone in need and actually caring enough to offer a hug, smile, or just to listen to them.

[zanne]

14. Somebody once told me...

Y'know how difficult it can be to run into someone who's just had a major loss? You just don't know what to say except "Please accept my condolences". Well, a hug is probably what the person needs most. Just to know that somebody else can feel your loss is worth a thousand words, and it's hard to ask for a hug. I was told "just do it". That's what I do now, and often, people tell me how lonely they've been because people actually tried to avoid them, not knowing what to say. A human connection can really help the healing process.

[Callalily]

15. What a wonderful and compassionate

thing for you to do. Yes, I too think you lightened her load.