Ruth, happy 80th birthday! Thank you for living love! I'm 58 and when I was 40 the Free Hugs movement found me. Ever since then (except for 2020 to 2022 during the pandemic) I carry a Free Hugs sign everywhere I go including to places like protests and election polling stations because you never know when someone needs a hug. Those 2 seemingly simple words on a piece of cardboard are the gateway to deep conversation. Thank you for sharing your stories of living love and walking your talk which is giving me a needed boost in these times when sometimes I think, "are these Hugs enough?" Your beautiful essay tells me, Yes! PS. I am going to also stand at a busy intersection where I live in Allentown PA with a sign that says Love! Love and hugs from my heart to yours, Kristin Pedemonti
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Kristin Pedemonti Jun 2, 2026
PPS. I took my Free Hugs sign to the Far Rockaways in NYC post Hurricane Sandy 2012 and I walked house to house offering hugs and listening while people were cleaning up from that devastation. It was a deeply moving experience. I'm forever grateful that the Free Hugs sign allowed that connection to occur.
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