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yesterday i was heading home and waiting on the subway platform for my train.  a confused-looking woman approached me hesitatingly to ask if "this train stops at 42nd Street."  because many trains stop at many parts of 42nd street and that does not necessarily mean that train is stopping where you wish to go, i asked her where she was trying to go.  "i was just told that i needed to get on the 7 train to queens."  i consulted my handy subway map (i always like to be sure before i give directions, as i have no sense of said direction) and i confirmed that she was indeed in the right place.  she still looked frustrated, so i said - are you new to the subway? "yes!" was the response and a grimace that told me that she was not enjoying any of the benefits of public transportation.
"i'm just going through a lot right now," she continued and then i noticed that she was fighting back tears.

now, for the past few weeks, i have had an overwhelming feeling that the world needs more hugs.  a very simplistic approach to everything but my simple heart looks out and sees how easily people throw out their anger but it is so so hard to give a hug... especially to a stranger.  in recent times, often i think of my dear blog buddy dodo and imagine that right now i could send many hugs and more.  dodo's wonderful images convey such emotion, reflective of the roller coaster ride we are on right now.

the lady on the train sat down next to me and sniffed.  i smiled at her and then looked into my bag and rifled around a bit.  i found what i was looking for.

i handed her a tissue and then we were at her stop.  i wished her good luck and sent her a virtual hug.  maybe the world is not quite ready for random stranger hugs, but i think we could handle more smiles and virtual *hugs*

now i want to dance too!