August 08
He has ten beautiful children. His humor includes dry sarcasm garnering a smirk or two and a few intermittent laughs. It’s the only bond he has with his kids. Bustling to and fro, he readies for the gathering of his brood. Twenty seven including grandchildren and spouses.
Every type of liquor is available; none of the kids over indulge. Mother rarely deviates from her preferred instant coffee. He barbecues burgers when cued. The kids chat amongst themselves, a chance to catch up. Squabbles are unheard of with this crew. Frustrations bubble below the surface, past wounds callused over but unforgotten. A few uncomfortable rifts are smoothed over with idle chatter.
Mother is demonstrative and loving, dad is obviously proud. He rarely shows emotion, never hugs his kids. Instead he watches their interaction with a half smile, popping in and out of conversations with bits to share. You can see the contentment in his body language and on his face. When everyone disperses, my daughter makes a brave move and grabs him for a hug. Surprisingly he hugs her back! Now every time she leaves his home she ritually hugs him, and he lets her!
13 comments:
Hugs are so important. They just are. Parents should hug their kids and grand kids. Just saying. Are you the one that gets the hug? I hope so. Have a great day. :)
:)
Aw! Good for Pepper for seeing how he needs that hug and breaking through the walls he's put up! What a warm, caring young lady - and thanks for sharing the perspective as a proud, perceptive parent, Sherrie!
~Hugs~tto you and Pepper, too!
I can't even imagine really hugging my dad. Sadly, I don't even want to. Sweet Pepper knew in her heart he just didn't know how. What a special woman. XXOO
Gee thisis so typical of my family and my dad especially. We always went out of our way to give hugs when we left with the kids.
How sweet! It is said that those most reluctant to hug are those who need it most...Pepper's proof! :)
Maybe know her grandpa will be so overcome with those "warm fuzzies" from her hug that he'll hug others.
Wonderful outcome and so glad this is now a ritual.
Hugging those we love or care deeply for, family and friends, is essential. Oh, how I miss those who don't hug anymore or never did.
Hugs around you Giggles
What a special daughter you have, flying with her heart!
Pepper, you are so awesome, and you and Bryan together are double awesome!
Sher! I can so relate to this post! I need to tell you PRIVATELY in an email later!
I just adore Pepper!!
I came here also to let you know you DON'T have green stripes!! you have wall to wall dots baby!! ARe u seeing green stripes? maybe others Don't see my pink? I am very confused again.
xoxo
i left a message but it didn't take, if it did please delete one...
First I ADORE pepper! second.. I can SO relate to this Sher, but I will email you PRIVATELY WHY! haha
Also.. I just love Regina Spektor too! Better is my cell phone ring! haha
About the dots... YOU DON'T have green stripes.. WALL to WALL dots! but If you see green on yours and I am seeing pink stripes on mine, maybe we need some meds.
xoxo
Beautiful and loving...heartfelt...
Wonderful post...
Here is to MORE hugging!!
Artfully Yours,
So great that Pepper broke the ice.
People need hugs!!!Sending you, Pepper and Brian all warm hugs from me.
Those who seek hugs and receive them are awesome! xx, JP/deb
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