Vandee Academy Back Up

🌼 Day 11 of 100 Days of Stories, Sobs & Smiles... 💕

Some hugs I avoid 😭

“Some hugs heal you… others will make you question your entire calling.” 😭😂

When I resumed in a new church location, Daniel had also just joined. And from day one, Children’s Church was NOT his thing. He preferred sitting with his elder sister or his mum in the Adult Church.

But every single time he managed to come to Children’s Church, he would hug me so tightly and wail like his whole life depended on it.

I remember one particular Sunday… I hugged him back and suddenly felt tears roll down my own eyes and I wondered what have I done to this Child na🧒
Here I was caring for him like a mother hen, yet he was crying as if I had beaten him 101 times 😢.

Immediately I noticed my tears, I quietly found a seat, sat down, and hugged him properly.
Held him till he almost calmed down (Daniel didn’t understand calming down back then 😂).
Honestly, I was hugging him for both of us.

Before I knew it, I saw little Chukwu Ebuka and Omalicha walking toward me. I knew instantly they had spotted my watery eyes.
They reached me and asked, “Aunty Iydee, are you tired?” 😴😴

I smiled and said, “Something entered my eyes, it will go soon.”
That was my cue to wipe my tears, fix myself, and switch back to teacher mode.

Sometimes, love speaks louder than words…
And sometimes, all the therapy you need is a hug from a little hand even when you’re not sure whether it’s healing you or finishing you. 😭💛😂

💬 Have you ever been hugged by a child in a way you cannot explain? Share your experience or drop the name of that child who melts your heart.