Tuesday is "Hug Day"

"Do you need a hug?" the occupational therapist asked me this morning as I sat down to write the first note of the day.

Do I look extra forlorn this morning? Or perhaps my "stricly-business" demeanor is communicating a need for physical touch.

"Kate* gives out hugs on Tuesdays" one patient announced as if answering my inner monologue.

I could not help but think of Sydney Heron from "Grey's Anatomy", the irritatingly-positive upper-level surgical resident, who offers mental health advice and emotional embraces to fellow residents and staff, however unwelcomed.

"Sooo...do you need a hug?" Kate asked, waking me up from my flashback.

Is she serious? Is this a trick question? Is she going to hug me and then laugh that I fell for her joke? Why isn't she asking anyone else if they need a hug?

Not knowing what to do, I just laughed nervously.

"Well you're not supposed to laugh", she said indignantly.

"Okay, then...sure."

Triumphantly, Kate wrapped her arms around me tightly. "There."

"Thanks!" I tried with a betrayingly-flat exclamation as she walked, no waltzed, to her next hug recipient.

* * * * * * * * *

Though our resident "Sydney" caught me a little off-guard today, I think she probably has a good thing going - undoubtedly brightening up many people's days. In fact, I think I felt a little bit better after our hug. Regardless, I am going to be ready next Tuesday. Maybe I'll give out some hugs of my own.


*Name changed to protect the innocent