by Tina Smith, LPC MEd.

I received a hug in the middle of the night in a dream where I felt physically lost. I was searching high and low for something I didn’t even know I needed. I just knew I needed it desperately.

Suddenly, I saw my mother from afar. She ran to me, and I ran to her. We embraced as if we hadn’t seen each other in years. Truthfully, we hadn’t—it’s been over 14 years since I last saw her. She passed away in 2010.

In that moment, we held each other tightly, and she rubbed my back while I wept in her arms. In the dream, she said to me, “I’ve been looking all over for you. I’ve heard that you’ve been going through some rough patches.”

What’s odd is that she didn’t mention any of the recent things I’ve endured since her passing—like the death of my husband, whom I miss dearly, or the pain that’s followed me since. Instead, during that hug, I began to see painful events from both before and just before her passing: the miscarriages I experienced, or the ache of losing her on my son’s third birthday.

And yet, so intricately, the pains of the past and those of the present were being healed during that embrace. Hugging my mom at that moment transcended time—it gave me exactly what I needed right now. It felt so real that I began to weep in my sleep.

In the natural, I found myself thanking God for that amazing moment. It empowered me to look toward the future, to be grateful for my life, and gave me a sense of peace that surpasses human understanding. It was a spiritual connection that calmed my soul. I now have something sacred to reflect on—something that brings me comfort.

I want to elaborate on the hug itself. Hugs have a way of releasing hormones throughout our bodies that produce a sense of comfort, safety, and joy. Moreover, a mother’s hug is special. It says, “Everything is going to be alright.” It represents encouragement, empowerment, belonging, and so much more.

I want to encourage you: give a heartfelt hug to a close relative or friend. The one receiving it will likely hug you in return. Embrace the moment—give into the experience. However, always be mindful and respectful of others’ personal space. Not everyone is used to receiving hugs. It’s perfectly okay to ask, “Can I give you a hug?”

While hugging my mom so tightly in that dream, I felt her love. And my hug to her said just as much: “I love you too, Mom. I miss you dearly.”