hugs from henry

Henry Ditmar was a young man, 17 years old who gave hugs....unselfishly, without abandon. He had a smile that would light up a room. He was real, genuine and special. I met Henry a few years ago when he served as a greeter at my church. Many Sundays he would stand at the door, smiling - always with a hug. If he wasn't on duty on a given week- he would come looking for me- to give me a hug. His hugs made my day. He attended the same school as my son and I would often see him at cross country meets, cheering on his sister as she ran.... and always when I would see him- he would seek me out- and give me a "Henry Hug". He went looking for me when he got his driver's license- we gave each other a high five... for it was a moment to celebrate! We talked about his job searches, school- just small talk really. But, when I walked away from Henry, he had left a smile on my heart for the rest of the day!! He had a way about him that was amazing. I know I was not the only person he shared his hugs with, for that is just who he was. He touched my life, and so many others, in many many ways. With every life he touched, he left a little of Jesus behind. For that is who Henry was... Today the hearts of his family are shattered, his smile and joy of life along with his hugs are silenced. For just two days ago, he was killed in a tragic car accident on an icy road near his home. Henry gave his last hug here on earth... but now it is up to each of us to keep his hugs alive- touching, reaching, loving unconditionally- leaving a little of Jesus behind with every word, every smile and every kindness.-for that is what Henry did. His legacy lives on in those that he reached, in a life seemingly too short- today, I will hug someone, for Henry. I will tell those that I love that I do. I will tell them they are special, because they are. I will hug them, because they matter. (Thank you Henry, for being Jesus with skin on to me..and to so many others!!)