Rainbow hugs by a talented friend
‘The Times they are a changin …’ sang poet and songwriter Bob Dylan in 1964. And how appropriate are those lyrics for our world today. How has Covid-19 changed and continues to change our times? True, it changes how we act, how we react and at times how we refrain from taking any action at all!
However, it has also provided some of us with an opportunity to take stock of where we are at and what is happening in our respective worlds. It has highlighted who and what is important. It has acknowledged the talent within our caring professions and the resilience of keyworkers who ensure essential services operate during these strange and surreal times. It has changed the ways we meet and greet each other. Gone (for now) are the face-to-face gatherings where we often greet each other with a big welcoming hug. We continue to respect the social distancing rule of two metres apart. Our connections with family and friends have moved online and whilst this is wonderful for those of us who engage with the technology, it’s not quite the same as a ‘real time’ meet and greet with a hug, is it?
On a recent online call with friends, the question was asked, ‘What do you miss most in these times?’ The replies included ‘meeting with family and friends’, ‘seeing children’, ‘cuddling grand children’ and 'having a BIG hug'. Sadly, in times of grief and despair, we would have liked to comfort family and friends. In these times, hugs are essential and people often need a hug. A hug provides comfort when words are unable to articulate that sense of loss. I’m a believer that a hug given with love and good intention can make a difference.
During a conversation with a talented, sewing friend, we agreed to create some ‘hugs to share’. We had both received a little fun gift in the post that made us smile. A little gift sent with love and it inspired an idea. We created ‘a rainbow hug’ for these times, to raise a little smile and as a reminder that hugs have not been forgotten. So, if you know someone in need of a hug today, do get in touch.
The ‘times they are a changin …’ and we change too, from real time to virtual time and from virtual hugs to real hugs. We look forward to a happier time when we can all be together to hug family and friends and the term ‘social distancing’ becomes a redundant word in our vocabulary.
