What a wonderful Wednesday was spent with my cousin Bill and his wife, Arlene. We had a delicious lunch at The Pickle Barrel in North Toronto, a popular restaurant since 1971; friendly ambience, good food, great conversation, and delightful company.

Our server was pleasant and attentive, but somehow my cousin, Bill, detected a note of sadness about her and engaged her in conversation. (He’s so good at that!) After a few minutes he blurted out, “I think you need a hug!”

“Bill, don’t embarrass her,” admonished his wife.

With that, the young lady reached down and accepted my cousin’s hug.

“Thank you for realizing I need a hug,” she said. “I may seem sunny on the outside but I’m raining inside.”

Wow, thought I to myself, what a beautiful blog this will be.