it is difficult to be seperated from loved ones, it's true.

i relate to your feelings to a tee.

we have to remember the lesson of this little girl hugging you and showing her love -
and have moments like this when we are with our loved ones - in some fashion that doesn't overwhelm them.

i once hugged my grandfather so tight (a very prim and proper gentleman) and it made him uncomfortable for a minute ... but i never regretted showing my affection to him.

but i have in many other scenarios. i hope to get over myself when i see them again, (as i am far from home too) and let love inform me how to reach out to them, and feel their needs, and hopefully, they might reciprocate.

we all need love. and a few phone calls may be the best you can do right now.

have you thought about making cards, or finding the right one, and sending it home, with a love note. it might help you feel more connected. one year i filled everyones cards with different confetti, and did something else the next. this year i made cards with dried flowers. i'll drop postcards too. it's a way to communicate that i think they are well worth these extra efforts because they are special.

when we give others the very thing we need, it returns to us somehow. in the act itself or through the intent, our actions where love is concerned are honored, i believe.

anyway, thanks for your story.
i will remember the little girl hugging your neck tightly ... as there is a little child in all of us.

peace and love,
night