Henry's "Huggy"!

The Reid-Sykes families have always been the affectionate sort.  We hug hello and goodbye, kiss morning and good night, hold hands, scratch backs, play with hair, you name it. But Henry has put a new twist on affection... hugs to be exact.

I don't know when it really took form or how, but it is called "Huggy!"  Yes, with an exclamation point.  It is a command? It is a question? A statement perhaps? Yes, all three. He asks for what he needs...and he needs a hug, damnit and now! It was catchy and caught on quickly with us lovable types and now we all say it. "Huggy!"

I started to think how cool it was that he asks for what he needs, a hug. It is just a simple thing. Wrapping your arms around another person, with loving intent. But what a powerful thing a hug can be. It can lift your spirits, affirm your love, give you strength, it can say "I'm sorry", make you feel safe. 

Think about people you know - some people really give good hugs. Jeff is a great hugger. And he knows a good hug when he sees one too. Don't give him a mamby-pamby hug, that just won't do. He will call you out and ask for a do-over. Jeff comes from a long line of huggers.  His Uncle Bobby is famous for his bone-crushing, "I-really-can't-breathe-anymore" hugs.  I am serious. One Thanksgiving he caught me by surprise and when it was over, I thought he cracked one of my ribs.

But some people aren't huggers, and that is just fine too. You are inviting yourself into someone's personal space for a moment and sometimes that space isn't for sharing.  Some folks aren't used to hugs being common currency in familial communication either. I get that. My family has always spoken "hug" . . .then I married a hugger from a family of huggers, and now we are raising little huggers.

A few years ago, Dave Matthews made a video starring Judah Friedlander, one of the actors on "30 Rock" and it was about needing love, everyday. I always liked it and it fit the hug theme today, so I dug it up to share with you. . .
Dave Matthews Band - "Everyday"

This is a phase for Henry.  Hopefully he will not grow up to a be a funky-looking guy on the street asking strangers for "Huggy?!" all day.  Hugs have the capability to reach across all genders, ages, ethnicities, and nationalities. They are universal. They are simple and awesome. So next time you need a hug, ask for one. It sure works for Henry. Everyday.

Just a boy, looking for a hug!