Today is National Hug Day!  I did not know it until I started getting Tweets about it on Twitter.  Hugging patients and their visitors is a part of my ministry as a chaplain.  Both when celebrating with families or sharing compassion with families; hugs can be effective.  Even when language is a barrier or we are at a loss for words, a hug can be the “universal language” that brings comfort.  Even though today is the designated National Hug Day any day is a good day to give a hug when the situation is appropriate for a hug.

Think about the last five times you have been hugged.  What message was that hug conveying to you?  Here are the situations of the last five hugs I have received:

• My son gave a text hug when I was offering him comfort for the cold he is fighting, he lives 800 miles away so the hug could not be done in person.
• I am dating a wonderful woman and I hugged her hello and good-bye when she was at my house last night.
• Today a church member saw me in the hallway and told me how glad she was to have me attending the church and gave me a hug.
• My boss gave me a hug as an offer of comfort as I was discussing my emotions over patients who have died recently while I was providing them spiritual care.
• An employee left the hospital for a new job and we hugged each other good-bye on his last day at the hospital.

I hope these examples of hugs prompt great memories for you of hugs you have received.