A Hug From Your Father

My friend Lisa shares this experience. May our Father in heaven encourage and bless you with the words, as they are a taste of what He longs to do when His Son brings you home from the battles and scars of this life.  

Today, the hospital operator referred a man to me, "because I knew you'd be kind". 

Thin, pale, with gaunt eyes, beard nearly as long as my hair, packing oxygen to keep breathing. He threw up a tough attitude and cryptic wit. End stage emphysema/lung cancer. Thinks over 40 yrs smoking/doing drugs may not have served him well. Lived life on his own terms, in his own way. His army career ended when he punched out his commanding officer. Turns out that is frowned upon. Says few love him, plenty of haters.  

After resolving his financial concern, I walked him out, wanting to offer him something more. I asked him the last time he had a hug. He shrugged. What would he think if I gave him one? He shrugged. Told him I recognized he's tough, but also know things are hard, and that I care.

Gave him a hug~ a real one. He dabbed awkwardly at his suddenly wet eyes. I wished him well. He stared at the ground a bit, then looked at me and said, "Lady, if that's the last hug I ever get, I will die happy" turned and walked out. Hugs can heal...Peace~ Love~ & hugs! ~♥