Summary:
I read
quite a few interesting essays from the “This I Believe” website this past
week. Majority of them were under the themes music and friendship. However, the
one that really caught my attention was an essay titled “The Power of Holding
On” by Cameron of Litchfield, Connecticut. In the essay, the author refers “holding
on” to hugging. She states how a hug can change relationships, how a hug is a
way for hearts to connect. For example, it can turn an acquaintance into a
friend. Cameron talks about how her grandmother would hug her so tightly even
when her health was deteriorating. It was a way to reassure her that things
will be okay. She believes that holding on has become more than a physical
interaction. She feels that it has become a way of thinking. In the essay, the
author compares holding on, or hugging, to a battery charger. She says, “A hug
is like a battery charger, a good one can keep me going for a long time.”
Response:
As I
was reading this essay, I was thinking about a different definition of “holding
on.” It wasn't about physically holding on, but more of emotionally holding on.
But I do have to agree with the author when she said holding on, or hugging, is
a way for people to connect. I do have my days where I’m feeling down and all I
really need is a hug to make me feel better. I’m also the type of person who
gives hugs to cheer people up, which is really the least I could do. Everybody needs
a good, long hug every once in a while. It’s a good way of reassuring.
