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Give Your Kids the Biggest Hug in the World...

...or your Mom, best friend, husband or cousin, or all of them!

I am feeling emotional. There's retirement and looking back over many years, my goddaughter's birthday yesterday and the middle school graduation I am attending tonight. But, sadly, there's another reason for my feelings. 

I got a phone message yesterday from a colleague who retired five or six years ago. I hadn't heard from her in all of those years. Her tone was serious, and I was anxious as I returned the call. The news she had for me was worse than any I could have predicted. Marissa, the daughter of a mutual friend had died suddenly the night before. My friend's daughter was twenty-six and had an eight month old little boy. All of the world was yet to happen for her. 

My friend had left our office several years ago and moved to North Carolina. She was one of my first friends in the office and I missed her a lot after she left. We had kept in touch and she was one of the first people I told that I was retiring. We talked about getting together this fall and I looked forward to seeing her daughters, who I had known since they were in elementary school, and meeting her grandchildren. 

I can't imagine the pain of a mother's breaking heart, and all of my heart and prayers are with my friend and her family. 

When you next see your daughter or son, father or mother, friend or relative, give them an even bigger hug than you might usually. If they give you a funny look, you can just say "It's from my blog buddy, Buttercup," and hug them again. There can't be too many hugs in this world. 

Hugs and love from New York City

20 comments

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. My prayers are with you all.
Sending love and hugs.

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Evening Carol, I am so sorry to hear such sad news. There are no words, but I would like you to know I am sending all my love and prayers.
Just to say, I have taken your advice and given my husband a big hug as my daughters live abroad, so it will have to be a skype hug when we speak tomorrow.
With warmest wishes
Daphne

Becky K. said...

So sad! I'll be praying for this young woman's friends and family.
You are so right. Life is unpredictable and uncertain. We need to appreciate each and every day we have with those that we love.
Hugs to you, my friend.

TARYTERRE said...

So sorry to hear about this loss. It is sad, indeed.

Paula said...

This is so sad. My daughter is the same age. I will keep your friend and her family in my prayers.

Nellie said...

Prayers definitely being offered for all! I simply cannot imagine the pain the family and friends are experiencing.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I can't imagine the pain of a parent when they lose a child, no matter what age. There are no words to comfort.

Noelle said...

I cannot imagine. I am so sorry for your friend.

Ms Sparrow said...

Life can be so unfair.

Mevely317 said...

I spotted this earlier today at work, and my heart has been heavy. Who could fathom this sort of pain?
Praying for a sense of peace for all of you who loved Marissa.
... and sending YOU a big hug, as well.

Stephanie said...

Oh my heart goes out to your friend and her family during this difficult time. I am truly sorry!

Hugs to you!

Marie Rayner said...

(((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))
it is very difficult to lose a child.
My Todd has lost both his sons, one in infancy and the other as an adult. It's very heartbreaking. Saying prayers. xxoo

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

My heart goes out to your friend on the loss of her daughter. Yes, we must never forget those hugs. I've experienced sudden loss of loved ones and know the importance of it.

Crystal Collier said...

=( Thanks for the reminder. It's easy to take those we love for granted while everything is sunny.

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

How sad. I'm so sorry for your loss. *hugs*

Melinda said...

So sorry to hear of this news.

Sending you a great big hug.

:o )

Susie said...

Buttercup, Thank you for reminding us...we need to hug when we can. My daughter called me last night , crying. She was at a wedding. The girl getting married is her daughter's best friend. My Lizzy was very emotional. I reminded her, that we have more people like family than we know. I had four daughters and their friends became like sons and daughters to me. So I can truly understand your loss...your friend's daughter was like a child to you. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful young friend. Blessings to you Carol. xoxo,Susie

Jemi Fraser said...

Consider it done.
Such a sad time for your friend. Some things we should never have to endure.
*hugs*

Lynda said...

That is horribly heart-breaking and the child is too young to understand what has happened. I don't mind giving mine an extra hug from you. I am blessed to see them both at least once weekly.

Catherine said...

Dear Carol. Truer words could not be spoken. Only the Lord knows what the day has in store. Always say I love you and give a hug. Blessings dear. Catherine xo