The Power of Love
“Mommy, why were you holding her?”
Being a mom has been one of the most interesting adventures I have ever been on.
I never know what the weather will be like…I have no idea where we will get stopped…And I most definitely don’t know what lessons I’m about to learn.
This week was no exception. Hallie girl has a “best friend” in her class and at 3 this is a highly sought after title.
When we got to school to pick her up, this friend was in absolute shambles. She was on the floor crying and the teacher was expressing that she needed to listen and follow directions. It was obvious that she was struggling in that moment. There is nothing sadder than watching these sweet girls cry. Period. (Even when it’s totally their fault…I’m looking at you Hal).
So as Hallie collected her things, I walked over to our little friend and asked if I could give her a hug. Through snot and tears, she nodded yes and stood up. But she didn’t just stand, she fell into me. The kind of fall that, as a mom, means they need a lift.
So I scooped her up and held her. As I’m holding her, her two little hands are just patting my back…I went from mom to puddle. I talked to her, we got her calmed down, and she went on her way to follow the directions she had struggled with just moments ago.
When we got in the car, Hallie asked, “Mommy, why were you holding her? You’re not her mommy.” Her tone was one of protection with a sprinkle of envy. I admired the fact that she knows those hugs are normally hers and her sisters, but there was an important lesson here.
We talked for a few minutes, with the conclusion being that sometimes people just need love.
Sometimes, we just need a hug.
And since her mommy wasn’t there, I could offer that to her, with her permission. I could give her “Big Hugs & Love.”
I dedicated one of the final chapters in the book to this concept and for most emails and messages, it’s my sign-off.
I don’t use those words lightly. I believe in the power of love. I believe that the world needs a lot more of it. I believe that we have the power (and choice) to give it in the big moments and the little ones too.
As a mom, I can only hope and pray that if Hallie had been like that (and oh are there moments), that they’d consider meeting her with love and grace too.
As an adult, I can only hope and pray that the world starts showing up with the same consideration.
Big Hugs & Love don’t have to actually be hugs and telling people you love them…That’s my cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean it’s yours. But instead Big Hugs & Love are only two of the many forms of kindness. Find the kind that you’re comfortable with and do it more today.
Hold the door open. Ask someone how their day was (“Good” is not a good response). Pay someone a compliment. Praise someone on your team. Go out of your way to be kind.
At the end of the day, the “why” behind the reason we do these things should be as simple as, “because sometimes, people just need love.”
So that’s what we do.
& be nothing but yourself.
If you’re enjoying following along, I hope you’ll consider:
Ordering a copy of Unapologetic
Sharing this message with a friend
Bulk buying 5+ copies! (If you do, send a screenshot of your purchase for freebies!)
Big Hugs & Love,
Cassy
