The Gift of a Hug

Today, I had the pleasure and honor of volunteering with a nonprofit that distributes food to people affected by the fires in L.A. We set up at a post office and offered meals to folks picking up their mail—mail that’s being forwarded to a new location because their local post office burned down in the Palisades Fire.

I was in charge of organizing the food table, setting up fruit and water, and making sure the meals were labeled—vegetarian or beef. I was eagerly awaiting the chance to serve, even though it was raining, and I could tell it might be a slow day. But still, people trickled in to pick up their mail. Some had seen us there before and were excited for another hot meal. Others were new to the spot—eager to get their mail but timid about accepting a meal. Some took a moment to chat, sharing stories about losing everything, still uncertain about what comes next.

Then an elderly woman approached our table and thanked us for being there. I recognized her face immediately, but at first, I couldn’t place where I’d seen her. She went into the post office, came out, got a meal, and took a phone call before quickly rushing off. That’s when it hit me—I knew exactly who she was. She had been a client of mine twenty years ago!

When I first moved to L.A. as a young woman, she had been one of my dear clients. As I saw her heading to her car, I felt this strong nudge. I had to go up and ask if it was really her, and if she remembered me. If I was right, it made sense—she lived in the Palisades. I ran over to her car, and sure enough, it was her. The moment I got close, she embraced me—like a child, a full, warm hug, arms around my waist and inside my jacket. We stayed in that embrace for a long time.

She asked what I’m doing now and said it was nice that I was volunteering. She also shared that she’s 88 now (I never would’ve guessed; she’s so vibrant!). Then she told me how she lost everything in the fire. Everything. We kept talking, hugging, talking, hugging. Each time, a long, full-body embrace.

It wasn’t like I knew her all that well when she was my client. I knew her, yes, but we never shared long conversations or hugs. Now, here we were—exchanging stories of loss and love. She told me how she worried that, because of her age, she might not live to see her home rebuilt—the home where she had raised her family. She’s staying with someone for now, but it’s in a completely different part of L.A., far from everything familiar.

It’s such a sad story, but I knew in my heart that this was exactly why I was at that post office today. I was meant to run into her. I was meant to give her that long, connected embrace.

I love being of service and helping when I can. Of course, it’s always easier not to. It’s easier to ignore that calling in my heart. I had to get my kids situated, I had to take time off work—honestly, the easier thing would’ve been to put it off. But something inside told me to sign up and volunteer today. So I listened.

Even as I saw her leaving and heading to her car, I felt that nudge to go after her. A small, quiet voice inside said, “Lisa, that’s not her. You don’t know that woman. Just stay and do your volunteer job.” It would’ve been easier to listen to that voice. But the louder voice was urging me to check in on her. And I’m so glad I did.

That hug and the connection we shared was exactly why I was meant to be at the post office today.

So here’s my PSA: Do the uncomfortable thing. Just DO. THE. THING. Do the thing that feels vulnerable. That’s how we grow and connect with others. We can get so caught up in our small worlds and talk ourselves out of doing the uncomfortable things—the things that can stretch us and make a real positive difference in someone else’s life... and our own.

Check up on that person. Make that phone call. Tell someone you love them. Smile at strangers. Ask someone how their day is going. Send a meal. Offer a hug. Whatever it is that’s nudging you—don’t ignore it. We underestimate how far a little bit of kindness can go and what a difference it can make in someone else’s life. And in our own.

There’s no doubt that my interaction with my former client—this woman who lost everything in the fire—impacted her. But honestly, it impacted me even more. I left my volunteer shift today with my heart full. She filled me up in a way I didn’t expect. And now, my heart is spilling over, reaching out to all the others I’ve interacted with today—including my own family.

Giving is receiving. And receiving is giving. You can’t have one without the other.

Watch my Loving Kindness Meditation video HERE.