The TWLOHA UChapter at my university held a free hugs day. I participated and gave out free hugs, including to a girl I hardly knew from my English class. She handed me a letter the next week:

“I just wanted to formally thank you for the hug last week. I also wanted you to know that what you are doing is admirable and you are making a difference. After we talked, I realized that the last time I received a hug was in the first week of August. I have had some events happen in the past few months that have impacted me in a negative way and I realize that the lack of friends and lack of loves ones—-for support—-and hugs could be keeping me down. I do have a counselor at CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) in case you were going to suggest that. Anyways, just wanted to say thanks again. Have a great weekend!”

I received this letter when I was rushing out of class to meet for a lunch date. I knew what it was when she handed it to me and mumbled that I could read it later. I read it as I spedwalk to a different building, my heart fluttering a bit. I ran into the girl who organized the event and read the letter to her, thrilled. We gave out 1,500 hugs over two days between the hours of 10-2 on a campus with ~13,000 students. I know at least one person felt the importance. And I admire her so much for having the courage to say thank you and reach out. 

Remember, we can all be a little kinder.