The Note and The Hug

My oldest daughter is like me. We speak the same love language. She loves words of affirmation and gifts. We can understand each other.

My youngest is like my husband. They speak the same love language of affection. They thrive on hugs, kisses and holding hands. They understand each other.

And here’s where we collide. My oldest and I are always hard at work on notes for the other two. The other two would rather just have huge kisses planted on their cheeks or be embraced by a huge hug. Those two hug us and we then await some great words of affirmation…and there aren’t any.

It can be quite funny. Just the other day, as my husband prepared to leave for a rather lengthy trip, I was feverishly writing one card after another to hide in his luggage. My oldest joined in drawing pictures and asking me and her sister to sign them as well. The youngest was running around hugging her Dad and me the whole time. My husband held my hand on the way to the airport and offered a huge hug and a kiss as he left.

The very next day, my oldest was already preparing some welcome home signs for his return! I finally came up with an idea to have a “Daddy” box that she could fill with notes and drawings as a gift for him when he returned. She began churning out one picture and note after another-and I knew why.

My youngest, now three, spent the day in my lap, being held and holding my hand. There were lots of hugs and kisses exchanged that day between her and me. We were inseparable-and she made sure of that. She was even more affectionate than usual – and I knew why.

During bedtime that evening, my oldest was stumbling as she tried to tell me something. It took her several tries, but out it finally came.

She said, “Mom, she hugs and kisses you too much. She loves you too much.”

I hugged her and assured her that I loved them both the same. As I was leaving, she handed me a special note-just for me…and asked for another hug.

Upon tucking in the little one, she whispered, “Fun day. Good job today, Mom.” Then, those two little hands wrapped around my neck and pulled me in for a heartfelt hug and kiss.

I knew we all missed their Daddy. Our worlds had collided and it sure felt good.