The Day I Was Hugged

I am not sure why I am sharing this story because you all might judge me for being crazy.  But this event was the highlight of my week and I want to remember the moment always.

I was volunteering at my children’s school last week and I thought I would peek in Crew’s class to check on him.  They were having an indoor recess and all the kids were in the room playing games.  I looked around for the teacher and didn’t see her, so I decided to do something a little risky.

I jumped in through the doorway and yelled “Crew!…….Come hug your mamma!”  in a “Who’s your daddy?” tone.  I may have even bent my knees and stretched out my arms as I said it.

At this point all eyes in the classroom went to Crew. What was the cool kid going to do?   The kid that wouldn’t wear character underwear after the age of 5 because he was over cartoons.  The kid who only wanted name-brands for Christmas.  The kid that wouldn’t do the song actions at the Christmas sing-a-long because he was above that baby stuff.

For a split section, we all watched with anticipation.

Meanwhile his buddies started yelling, “If you hug your mom you won’t be cool anymore.”  or “Don’t do it, Crew.  It’s not cool to hug your mom.” or “Awwwhhh! Gross!”

What happened next surprised even me.

Crew sprang up from the floor where he sat and literally ran to me. He jumped into my arms and wrapped his legs and arms around my body about knocking me over.  (He may have even kinked my neck.)  We were both hugging and laughing as his friends groaned with disgust.

Can I just tell you how happy I was that he hugged me and in a big way?  Even though his buddies told him not too.  Even though he knew he was risking his reputation.  Even though it just isn’t cool to hug your mom.  Even though everyone was watching.

He hugged his mom.

With his classmates still bawking, I lectured them that they better hug their moms too.  And I assured them that Crew will still be hugging me when he is in high school.

(At least that is what I am telling myself …)

I am tucking this memory of the day I was hugged away in my heart.