HUGS

Mother & Child Hugs

Bear Hugs

I’ve enjoyed listening to NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday for many moons.  Now we can listen to recorded podcasts of segments when it isn’t possible or when we want to revisit something that caught our attention!  There were two such segments that aired this morning regarding the real consequences of the prolonged Covid pandemic which I just listened to one more time.

An interview with a Colorado university professor revealed the dire consequences of seniors that initially were locked down in total isolation.  The CDC noted that people over 75 represent 16% of the population but 75% of Covid deaths.  Family and friends, Senior Centers and faith communities had been a key source of social interaction for these people.  The professor had lost many acquaintances including her isolated grandmother at the end of 2021.  She sadly reported that no one could visit her and there was no discernable medical reason for her passing, except extreme loneliness.

Another woman in Virginia had recorded a “My Unsung Hero” message for the Hidden Brain podcast.  She had managed to coax herself to the local grocery store and was in the process of checking out when the cashier mindlessly asked how she was doing?  She replied, “You know what, I’m not doing great.  My mother just passed away.”  As the cashier expressed her sympathy, the woman turned to the young man who had just finished bagging her few items.  He had obviously overheard the short conversation and looked her directly in the eyes and asked “Can I give you a hug?”  She said “yes” and remarked that it was “a beautiful expression of comfort and caring kindness”.  She saw a “warm and empathetic person” and concluded “Thank you so, so very much for making a difference in my life that day and for that one simple and powerful gesture.”      

There is a great deal of scientific evidence for this wonderful tranquilizer that is offered free of charge and lasts for no more than about 3 seconds.  It can be experienced with another human being or even a cherished pet.  Our pituitary gland releases oxytocin promoting contentment, the thymus gland releases additional white blood cells to keep us healthy and strengthen our immune system, dopamine is released by the brain to counter depression, serotonin and endorphins are released into the blood stream to negate pain and sadness to prolong life, and galvanic skin responses suggest a more balanced state in the nervous system.

This grieving woman whose spirits were uplifted by a young stranger concluded that “It was just a hug.”  But it was much more than that--it was all she needed to carry on at that moment as we all carry on from this pandemic, so that we can enjoy hugs once more sans masks! 

And the best necklace a mother can have is her child’s arms!