Hugs

Kameron, Kathie Hanna (Kindergarten teacher for all of you!), Kenna 1986

When I first met your Grandma Tidwell, I gave her a big hug. She just stood there with her arms down so I grabbed her hands and wrapped them around me and said she had to hug back for a hug to be real. I'd like to take credit for teaching her to hug, but I know that came from the three of you. How could anyone resist those outstretched arms, running in for a hug? When you were in Kindergarten, you and a cute sixth grade girl recited the Hugs poem for the annual poetry recital. You were both so adorable in your matching handmade t-shirts and lavender leggings and purple bows in your hair! She kneeled down so you would be the same height. It was a long poem and you both recited it perfectly. I can still see that grin and hear your sweet, little, cartoonish voice. You took a huge breath along with your bow at the end. You were the bomb, Kenna Lindsay!

                     Hugs

It's wondrous what a hug can do
a hug can cheer you when you're blue
A hug can say "I love you so!"
or "Gee, I hate to see you go.

A hug is "Welcome back again!'
or "Great to see you! Where have you been?"
A hug can soothe a small child's pain,
or bring a rainbow after the rain.

A hug, there's just no doubt about it,
We scarcely can survive without it!
A hugs delights and warms and charms,
it must be why God gave us arms.

Hugs are great for fathers and mothers,
sweet for sisters, swell for brothers!
And chances are your favorite aunts,
love them more than potted plants!

Kittens crave them, puppies love them,
heads of state are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier
and make travel so much merrier!

No need to worry about your store of "em,
the more you give, the more you have of 'em!
So stretch those arms without delay,
and give someone a hug today!

Recited June, 1986

Hugging at  June Lake 1982