Hugs from Daddy

I spend my weekend hanging out with my sister and parents over the weekend. Just being around people is good for me - it keeps me from getting into a funk. My sister Judy really helped me this weekend allowing me to talk about cancer and she used her other life experiences to understand what I was going through. The more safe places I can find to talk about cancer the sooner all these overwhelming feelings will work themselves out.

This having safe places to talk about cancer doesn't even have to be a place where I can talk but rather just a safe place where I can feel all the feelings. My Dad tries to help by giving advice. I know his intent is loving and caring. But it is in the big hug of my daddy's strong arms that I am able to cry and let some of it out. My sisters may cringe at me saying 'daddy' - but when I was in his embrace yesterday I really felt the love and I wished I could have just stayed in his arms until all the hurt and fear was out. I have a special love for my father, one of real respect and deep love. He has taught me so much that I am really blessed for what he has given me. Even now I can recall that hug and my crying on his shoulder and I can let the tears flow again. My dad may not be able to express his emotions and his caring comes in advice but in those few moments of a hug meant to me that in his way he understands. It feels like when I am in his embrace that I am a little girl who is hurt and a hug from her daddy will make the world all better again.

Thank you, Daddy, for your wonderful hugs.