Hugs

A dear friend of mine sent me this youtube video link today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hN8CKwdosjE

Many of you have probably already seen it, as I'm usually behind on these things since I never surf youtube and I'm not up with the latest viral videos.

But for those of you who haven't, and I guess even those who have, I want to share how this touched me. I literally sit here, just finished watching it, on the verge of tears.

If you know me, I can have a jarring personality at times, but if you REALLY know me, I'm a sentimental schmuck that gets choked up at the silliest things (still can't make it through Disney's "Cars" without tearing up).

Perhaps this video was particularly touching because I grew up in a very "huggy" family - especially the Borrego side. Since moving to Utah, I feel I've become more and more distant from those around me. I used to have friends and roommates that I would hug all the time - male and female - and now, hugging my own wife has become peculiar sometimes.

As a physical therapist (student) we often talk about the power (healing power) - and importance - of touch. Not only does it create a physical connection between people, but there is also a social, an emotional - and I would personally say even a spiritual - connection.

I did volunteer work at the Utah State Mental Hospital this last semester before starting PT school, it was always interesting to me how the majority of the patients were non distinguishable in appearance and comportment than any other person you might meet in society (especially among the teenage patients). However they were there for a reason - clinically, mentally. I think there are so many - perhaps EVERYONE - who could just use a hug sometimes. Just think what it could change if we all were more willing to (and did) give "free hugs."