I struggled finding a little thing, today. Today was one of those days you imagine happens to other people. There is no other way to describe it other than tragic and oh, so sad. I almost didn’t post. Even now, I feel guilty posting. But, I made a pledge to acknowledge the little things that get us through our days and while I surely needed a little thing to hold me up, I was too blinded by heartbreak to notice.

Then, I thought back on the day and realized a somewhat small but essential part of my life did get me through. Hugs. The simple act of two arms wrapped around me, hands firm on my back, a cheek comforted by a shoulder, a head balanced against another, my arms encircling the giver of the hug, pulling the hugger close. Ours is a family of huggers. We say “I love you” with two arms and sometimes a brush of lips against a cheek.

But, the hugs I received this morning were meant to hold me up with arms stronger than mine, hearts brimming with empathy, a thousand words within one embrace. I fully understand this quote by Ann Hood, “I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words. ”

My only prayer is those who hurt the most this day, find strength in the arms of one another and those they hold most dear.