Needing a hug

Over the phone today, one of my co-workers learned that her much loved father had died. He was old and in poor health, but she was hoping to see him one last time. In grief, she reached out to us, and we held her and hugged her. She needed it. There have been a few times in my life when I was overwhelmed with sadness and also needed any available shoulder to cry on. Once was when my grandmother was nearing death. I started to weep and practically fell onto the little woman employee in the room. I was at least a head taller, but she stood firm and held me in her arms while I blubbered. Though I never saw her before or after, I have always been grateful for that kindness. People need each other.