Stories of Kindness from Around the World

My First Hug


--by hasifa, posted Aug 22, 2011

 

I consider myself one of the luckiest people I know. 
 
I lost my biological mother when I was nine years old and when she was alive she was not much of a mother to me. 
 
I met my step-mom for the first time when I moved to America to be reunited with my father. From the beginning she made sure to let me know that I was safe and welcome. 
 
I remember when I first saw her at the airport. It was different but not uncomfortable. Over the past several years there is nothing I needed that she did not provide. I am the young woman I am today because she made sure to raise me properly. 
 
Yesterday I went to see her for Mother’s Day. When I gave her my gifts she held my face in both of her hands and kissed me straight on the mouth - even though I had the flu! (Hopefully she is not sick by the time you guys read this story!)
 
Her simple act of affection took me back to my very first night in America. After I was picked up from the airport we went home and she unpacked my luggage. Then she took me shopping for new clothes since the ones I had brought with me from Africa were a bit worn.
 
That night before I went to bed she came to my room, which was the first room I had ever had for my own, with the first bed I didn't have to share. She told me she was glad to have me and that she would take good care of me. Because I was never shown affection as a child, I did not know how to react to what she said so I just stared at her. To this day, I have a hard time letting others be affectionate towards me. 
 
Before she walked out of my new room, she asked me for a hug. I kid you not; I had no clue what she was talking about. I did not know what the word hug meant. Not because I didn’t speak English, I had just never heard the word before let alone knew what it meant. So, I just looked at her with a questioning expression on my face. 
 
But she didn’t give up. She called my father into the room and told him that she wanted me to give her a hug and asked him to explain to me what she meant. My dad explained to me what a hug was and told me why people hugged in America. When he did I looked at my new step-mom and wondered why she wanted to hug me. She then told me it was because she loved me and you hug people when you love them. So she opened her arms wide and timidly I opened mine and we hugged. 
 
That was my very first hug and I was eleven years old at that time.
 
I’m twenty-three years old now and, thankfully, I have received many hugs since then. 
 
I consider her my birth mother because life began when I came to stay with her. For the first time there were no kids for me to take care of and I became a child for the first time. There was no work waiting for me everyday other than the occasional chores that she gave me to teach me responsibility.
 
Today I say thank you to my mother; thank you for giving me my childhood back after it had been taken away from me. I am who I am today because of your love!
 

 

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Readers Comments

unknown wrote: a beautiful story, hasifa, and one which makes me SO happy for you. God bless your mother, Sherrell, for loving you into the beautiful soul you are today. What a special being she is. And what a perfect Mother's Day story!
Bluebell wrote: For a 23 year old you are a very, very old wise soul in a young body. Thank you for the lovely story. Love and Light and Endless Hugs, Bluebell
monalisha wrote: really felt good to hear about a part of your life....:):):)tckre and all the best!!:):)
Bluxess wrote: Its moments as these when we lack, we are able to enjoy every bit of it completely and joyously ... Thanks for sharing your journey with your wonderful mother, God bless you all. Have a blessed week. Bluxess.
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Hugs can make all the difference. Bless her and you both for your kind hearts, full of love! :)
heartofflesh wrote: ((((((((((((( Hasifa ))))))))))))))
patato wrote: what a wonderful story, and thank you, Hasifa, for sharing it!
Sydney wrote: Hasifa - this story has really moved me! I love all your stories but this one almost brought me to tears! Big hug for you!
oldgirl wrote: What a wonderful woman your "step" mother Sherrell is and how fantastic it is that your father and her found each other.

Hugs are very important and I am so happy that you have someone to give you those special hugs.
Aurelia wrote: Hasifa...This is a touching story. I wish you many more HUGS in your life. God certainly blessed you with a loving stepmom...and wise. Through tragedy of losing your birth mom at such a young age, came a new beginning...one that certainly has proven to be FULL OF LOVE!
(((HUGS))) and :0) Smiles~! Aurelia

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