Will You Hug Me?

After work with the poor around the world for more than 60 years, I thought I had heard everything, but the question from one young girl nearly knocked me off my feet! 

It was a cold winter day, and I pulled my coat tighter around my neck as I got out of my car in front of the Mission. But before I could walk the dozen steps to the lobby door, five needy people approached me. One man wanted a jacket, a mother wanted a meal for her two hungry little children, another man wanted a blanket, a woman wanted a place to sit down, and a yet another man asked for a food bag.

I took care of all the requests of the five people, and again started for the lobby door, when I noticed a young girl standing in the corner. I walked over and asked if I could help her. She acted frightened, and quickly answered, “I don’t want a jacket or a blanket or a meal or a food bag, but I want what you gave each one of those people.”

Puzzled, I asked, “What did I give the people except the things you mentioned?” And then she asked a question I have never been asked before, “You gave every person a hug. Will you hug me?” 

I was totally shocked by her request, and instinctively, I wrapped my arms around this young woman. She sobbed and sobbed as I rocked her back and forth, just as any mother would rock a child. 

Finally, I took her head in my hands, looked into her tear-filled eyes and asked, “How long has it been since someone hugged you?” The tears started flowing again, as she answered, “It’s been so long, I can’t remember.” 

So much pain! 

Blessings, 

Willie Jordan