Hug Your Kids – Even Argentina 32 Years Late

Dad from Argentina hugs son for the first time, 32 years after birth

Did you read the story about the Argentine dad, Abel Madariaga, whose pregnant wife was kidnapped 33 years ago? Long story short, thanks to the Grandmothers of the Paza de Mayo rights group, the dad and son were recently reunited. Wow!

What did dad say? “Hugging him that first time, it was as if I filled a hole in my sole.”

Can you imagine waiting 32 years to hug your child for the first time? Go hug your kids right now – or call them and tell them you love them. Hugs matter. Hugs heal.

Dear Abby: Hug Your Kids No Matter What Age

Awwww... A dad and a son share a hug and a smile.

My good friend, and Eagle Eye reader, Colleen Petrini alerted me to a Dear Abby letter in today’s newspaper. Demonstrative Dad in Laguna, CA reminisced that he used to kiss his sons on the lips when the boys were little, but now, at ages 13, 11 and 8, he wondered, ”How do I reintroduce this healthy demonstration of love?”

Abby’s reply missed the mark. She said that maybe when they’re older, they will realize the importance of expressing warm emotions. Nuts! What if something similar happens in their family that happened to my family – and a child doesn’t live to grow up? Kids need their daily hugs throughout their lives. And why miss out on the love that is shared by a good hug between dads and their children?

I’ll write to Dear Abby tonight to advise DD to starting hugging those boys today. In the meantime, keep hugging your kids.