please happy

An older gentleman parked himself in the middle of pedestrian traffic at the farmer’s market today. He held a sign that said “Free Hugs.”

We were going to walk right on by, straight to our favorite Finley Family Farms for the usual kale, onions, tomatoes, cabbage and whatever other delights they were serving up. I walked by.

I stopped. I went up to the guy. He hugged me and said, “Happy Thanksgiving!” It was a great hug. Firm and genuine. Then, he said, “Thanks for being you.” And then reached out to Jake.

The midwives keep telling me. The birth class instructor keeps telling me. Emma keeps telling me.

Let go. Give in.

Surrender.