How To Give A Proper Hug
by Jessica Parker, Tiffany’s cousin

Tiff, my favorite memory of you is your lesson in hugs.
At a family reunion at Lake Lure, you noticed that we all hugged like slugs.
A proper hug, you said, is not dainty or weak,
Uncles, aunts and cousins, our hugs all had leaks.

It’s simply not a hug if you’re standing a foot apart.
To be a proper hug, you must feel the other’s heart.
It’s simply not a hug if it’s fleeting and quick.
To be a proper hug, wait, and try to hear the other’s heart tick.

And with that you decided to show us all how
To give a proper hug, then and now.
You asked your Dad to help you demonstrate
The steps of a proper hug, for us to emulate.

It starts with the arms; they must open wide
Then step in close, not side-by-side.
Feel the other’s chest, and bring your arms around;
Use your muscles; squeeze tight; make it sound.

You all can do it, you said, it just takes practice.
So we tried it on each other, and the wonderful fact is
A proper hug felt good, and wasn’t hard at all.
We got it right, and you were proud of us all.

Thank you for this lesson, and I assure you now,
That I’m giving you a proper hug, because I know how.