Lessons From the Edge

Sometimes little things aren't.

Two weeks ago I was in the atrium at Edgewood when two residents walked by. One of them looked quite sad so I walked over to her and said, "You look like you could use a hug." And I hugged her. She held on tightly, and I knew she really did need that hug.
Then we chatted for a moment, and parted ways.

To me, that encounter seemed like a little thing. Honestly - until a few days ago - I had all but forgotten about it.

Wednesday I was on the phone with the daughter of one of our residents and in the middle of our conversation she said, "I want to thank you for that hug you gave to my mom." And that's when the memory of that "little thing" came back to me.
This daughter went on to say how much her mother had appreciated it. (Apparently enough to tell her daughter about it!) And we went on to talk about how her mom needs extra encouragement. (She struggles with anxiety and depression. I get that!)

As I thought about that phone conversation, I was delighted to know my hug really had made a difference. But, more than that, I found myself pondering this question: How many times have I NOT done something because I didn't think it would matter?
How often have I neglected to smile at someone?
How many times have I not said, "You look nice today!"?
How many hugs are still in my arms which could have been given away?

I'm so glad I had that conversation this week. While - in the past - I may have considered a smile, or a compliment, or a hug no big deal, now I believe I'll be giving them out more freely. Because now I realize sometimes little things aren't.