Day 997

Hug

Today I got a hug.

It was the first physical contact I’ve had with another human being since March 11.

It was more than delicious. It broke and healed my heart at the same time. It was utterly magical. When I let my friend know it was my first hug, she squeezed me just a little more tightly. At release, my eyes welled with tears — joy, relief, happiness, safety — just a few of the myriad emotions that whooshed through my bloodstream.

Safe. That’s what it is. Hugs make us feel safe. That sense of being held, of being protected, of being utterly connected to someone we care about. How ironic that this gesture intended to make us feel connected and safe has become such a source of fear.

I’m not going to think about that right now. Right now I’m going to revel in how healed my heart feels.

Today’s Gracious Gratitude. I am grateful for:

• My friend Melissa D. Kaiser who healed my heart today
• Tastykakes and pretzels
• Stunning sunrises
• Hugs
• My dogs
• A long overdue and meandering catch up chat with my dear Mike Sigal
• Sleep