Have you ever sat back and thought about what a “hug” really means? When I met Kristen Gates for the first time, we didn’t shake hands, she gave me a big hug. When she got the call that she was “cancer free” from stomach cancer, she gave me a big hug. When I saw her, right after she had a brain tumor removed, she gave me a big hug. When I broke down about my mom and her battle with Alzheimer’s, she gave me a big hug. When I leave for any long distance trip, she gives me a big hug.
The “hug” is just an action but the thought, the meaning and reason behind the hug is who Kristen Gates is. Kristen always has a hug ready. Her hugs make the worst moments in life, seem not so bad. And it isn’t just me, Kristen hugs everyone. I’ve watched her hug her boys, her ex husband Steve, co-workers and even our boss, Meg.
It’s International Women’s Day on Sunday. Today, Sunday and Everyday my partner, Kristen Gates, makes us all better with her strength, intellect, smile and laugh. Today she deserves the biggest hug of all.