I was living with my Aunt Bev and Uncle Rick for about two months and the whole time my Uncle was in and out of the hospital. It was nuts! It seemed like every time he got better, he didn't really, he just got worse. It was very sad.
Well I can remember one time in particular that he was in the hospital, I knew how bad it was at the time, I don't remember now of course, But we were all in anticipation for him to come home. and when he walked through the door I just smiled! it was all I could do. I watched him hug everyone, and I sat back with watery eyes, because I wanted a hug too. But I wasn't part of that family, I was just the cousin.
I guess my Uncle Rick noticed me standing aside, because he came over and asked, "What are you doing?"
I said, "I'm just watching."
He shook his head, "No, it looks to me like you're hiding; What's wrong?"
My eyes started to water all the more and as I spoke my voice trembled, "I just wasn't sure if it was safe to give you a hug, I didn't want to hurt you."
He wrapped me in his big strong arms and said, "You could never hurt me by giving me a hug."
I'll never forget that, or him, ever.




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