23 Comments
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Mike Mills's avatar

Hey now, you got my eyes all watery. Sometime in my late 20s I found that I was getting less hugs. I had grown up and my parents weren't sure when they should hug me any more. So I've made sure that I give big ole hugs when coming and going. And about that time I started saying I love you as I ended phone conversations.

My parents were at first really awkward with that. That hadn't been their way to communicate. But I've done it so much that it's just normal now. My brothers had to get used to it too. All of which to say I've never gotten too bigs for hugs. Good reminder!

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Elizabeth Stolle's avatar

Beautifully stated!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Good for you! What a lovely story! That's really a nice thing for me to read this morning, thank you!

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Monica's avatar

One of the things I treasure most, is that My 33 and 31 year old kids hug me big hugs every time I see them. Those hugs are the best hugs, reaching back in time.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

That's fantastic! It makes me happy to read that!

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Elizabeth Stolle's avatar

The absolute point of parenting is to send out to the world, decent, kind and empathetic human beings.

Various stages of giving them the tools to be able to do this.

With velvet gloved discipline, teaching them of family and having opportunities to explore but always with a watchful eye.

The goal of any parent is to instill kindness.

Parenting is not easy but it is so rewarding when you see them as adults and know you had strong influence in their positive development.

Kind of an “I helped in doing that!”. Maybe that’s a bit of hubris but me, I feel proud…very proud!

Great piece! Loved it and so could relate!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

It really is a remarkable sense of pride you feel when your children grow into wonderful people. What a joy it is to be a parent! Thanks for the comment!

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David Perlmutter's avatar

You reminded me of going bicycling with my father when I was tiny in the early 1980s.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

That's nice! Thanks for sharing!

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Theo's avatar

Love this. A very good mate of mine gives great hugs. It's probably not if why we're mates, but it's definitely a bonus.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

That's excellent! It takes a decent human being to give a decent hug. See how they hug and see how they get along with dogs.

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Theo's avatar

Absolutely! Two essential and unfakeable tests.

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Brett Alexander's avatar

Now, I can begin my day with refreshed spirit. Nicely written, Walter.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

That pleases me to hear! Thank you!

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Dr. Wallace. Embody Evolution's avatar

Thank you! Just hugged my daughter at her wedding. You caught the essence of parenting so beautifully here. :)

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Ah, what a wonderful, proud, and joyous moment! I will be in tears on that day, I'm so looking forward to it! Thanks for the lovely comment!

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La Luz de Evaluz's avatar

Awwww! What a fun ride. And yes! They will never be too big for hugs…the good part is that my now adult kids love my Mama-bear hugs❤️!!!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you! There's nothing better than a mama-bear hug!

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John Loewen's avatar

Awesome, Walter. Terrific post.

Thanks for sharing.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thanks for reading!

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Victoria Fann's avatar

Loved this post! It brings back memories of the different stages of letting go with my sons. Parenting, in many respects, is a journey of letting go because it's in the letting go that we release our children into their own lives and into the world. This is why grandchildren can be such a delight! We can return to some of those beloved experiences with a renewed appreciation for how precious they are and an awareness of how quickly they grow up.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Victoria! My kids are now 13 and 11 and every day is better, but I still miss being able to lift them up onto my shoulders. I kind of wish time would quit being in such a rush and spend some time smelling the roses :)

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Brett Alexander's avatar

You are welcome. 👍🏾

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