Everyone needs a hug

I think everyone needs a hug now and then from someone who really cares. Sometimes when there's nothing to say, no words of condolence or sympathy come to mind, a hug can express what you would like to convey. A  seemingly simple action, but one that communicates empathy in a heartfelt way. At a local retirement home, I noticed how the staff in the 24 hour care ward, understood and had clearly been trained with regards to the importance of human touch. Whilst my mother was alive, I was a frequent visitor and over a long period I got to know the wonderful staff and the residents in my mother's ward. Everyone was someone's mother or father, and each had lead a life, brought up a family and were they able to communicate, I'm quite sure there would have been some fascinating stories to tell. I would say hello and greet each person, and it would often take me half an hour from entering the ward until I finally got to sit next to my mother. There was one gentleman with a cheery smile on his face who seemed to love to wave at anyone who passed by, and was delighted if you waved back. A lady who sat with a sullen face, was transformed if you got up close and looked straight into her eyes and gave her a warm smile; suddenly her whole face would light up and she would smile back. My mother had dementia and when visiting, I'm not sure she knew who I was, but upon hugging her, I know she was reassured that I was someone who loved her.