Nothing is Better

Nothing is better in all the world
Than waiting arms all warm and unfurled.

Nothing is better for the young or the old,
To support the weak and applaud the bold.

Whether to celebrate joy or to comfort sadness,
To express deep feelings or to lessen the madness,

Whether from cherished loved ones or from new working relations,
Or from strangers just sharing extreme situations,

A crackling fire with a nice warm glow,
A coat and scarf bundle when out in the snow,

A hot chocolatey cocoa in a steamy mug,
Not even these beat the warmth of a hug!

My Dad was the best hugger ever. Even at the age of 86, when he was not too stable on his feet, he never failed to bend down and give me a hug. The day after he died, I had to go to work. I was, needless to say, a bit upset about this. But, it may have been a blessing in disguise. It kept me active and not dwelling on my loss. And every hug that I received after I told my friends and co-workers about his death was like a farewell hug from him.

I miss you daddy! I know that you are in Heaven watching over us still. This poem is dedicated to you.

James Connell 1931-2017