One of the greatest gifts we can give and receive

By Samantha Papesch

The other day, I hugged someone I barely knew.  United in grief and spurred by the tears sliding gently down her cheeks, I walked behind the checkout counter and simply gave her a hug.

The day before, we, and many in our community had lost a beautiful friend in the most tragic of circumstances.  As we embraced, a silent understanding of the shared pain and sadness passed between us.

In that moment no words were spoken, nor were they needed.  That hug encapsulated and conveyed the complexities of emotions that words could never begin to describe.

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