A Hug is ALWAYS a good thing

As a taller guy, getting a hug from a kid is kind of comical. They immobilize me with their affection, wrapping their arms around my legs like a determined little koala clinging to a beloved eucalyptus tree. It’s adorable no doubt, but without properly setting my feet it can become quite a hazard. This scenario nearly played out when I was working at an After School Program in Santa Barbara. After taking a hand-written midterm (who knew using a pencil could be so exhausting), I was admittedly a little checked out as I watched over a casual soccer game in the elementary school’s muddy yard. Acting as a referee would be futile given the sheer number of squabbles to keep track of; my important duty was to impersonate the sportscaster Andres Cantor’s iconic “GOOOAAL” with every made shot. While spectating, I suddenly felt that familiar collision of a run-hug and nearly toppled like an ancient pillar. As I regained my balance, I looked down to see the most adorable 2nd grader fastened to my legs. I was still rather new to the school and it was hard to tell if I was making any kind of impact, this random act of kindness was one I didn’t know I needed. Responding with the classic “Aw, thanks bud!” he pulled away and silently pointed at my “Hug Your Homies” hoodie™. I chuckled to myself as he ran to rejoin the game. It was a good reminder that no matter who I thought my “homies” might be, a hug is always a good thing.