Hug Your Kid Today

It’s easier said than done. In fact, we all SAY we do it, but are we really doing it enough?

I’m talking about loving your kid(s) every chance you get. There are so many ways to do it. The “big-daddy” hug. The “I’m gonna get you” hug. The “laying on your chest” hug. The “sneak up behind you” hug. My personal favorite…the kind of hug that “gets reciprocated” hug.

We adopted Quincy on the day she was born, April 2^nd, 2010. I had no idea what to expect, not only from her, but from me as well. How would she treat me? Would she love me the same way, even though I wasn’t her biological father? Would we have an immediate connection? What would she look like? What would she act like? I can tell you this, after 9 months, 22 days, 13 hours and 12 minutes….I love every second I get to spend with her. Just like YOU do. There is nothing different. Your love for your child is unconditional, but do you do it enough? Ask yourself, when was the last time you hugged your little angel or rascal? 2 hours ago? How about 2 days ago? Or 4 months ago? Some of our kids are already grown ups…they’re gone, they might even have kids of their own! But that shouldn’t stop us from doing what we were born to do…love our children.

The picture you see above was from a random Tuesday morning, playing with daddy. It’s awesome for a couple of reasons:

1. The innocence is undeniable
2. She got hugged 3 seconds after the picture was snapped. I couldn’t stand it.

I spend a lot of hours on my computer at work, occasionally taking a little 2 minute “stretch break” to look around at the pictures on my desk, or flip through the pictures on my computer.  I saw this picture and it reminded me of what’s really important to me. My wife and my daughter. I don’t want there to be a day that goes by, that those two girls don’t know how much I love them. We can’t take these days for granted…you just never know. So if you’re reading this, ask yourself, when was the last time you hugged your kid? If you’re anything like me, it was too long ago.

Comments

[big daddy d]

well put brother, i couldn't agree more. i LOVE being a father, it's frickin awesome!

[Larry Ellis]

Congrats Kyle! Welcome to a wonderful world. Daughters are great!