There was a comic book series that I followed for a while called “the Authority”. Standard super-hero fare, thought a little more over-the-top than most. In one issue, in and among the lasers and explosions, one of the characters [with wings, naturally] flies off to find a very particular little girl in a very particular place and time. This little girl would grow up to be a positive influence on the world around her – but only if she could escape her own misery.
The hero found the girl, dropped out of the sky, and wrapped her arms and wings around the girl and said simply,
“You are loved”
This has been a rough week for the folks at the university. On Wednesday, I got to see two friends on their last days at UA. One was dropping off her laptop and was sitting in the lobby of the building when I walked someone out. We made eye contact and shared a small smile – then she got up and walked over to me. We stood there for just a moment, not knowing where to start or what to say – then I figured it out.
“Can I have a hug?” I asked and her small smile turned into a full one as she opened her arms. We hugged for a moment and she thanked me for the hug and all the work that I’d done for her and her group over the years. We talked about what had happened and her feelings of injustice. She’d been with the university nearly 32 years and I’d really enjoyed working with her.
We shared a moment before she needed to continue her “leaving” process and I needed to get back to the office.
Later that afternoon, another friend that I’d worked with for years was clearing out her office. There was no hesitation there, just an immediate hug and smiles. We talked for just a moment about the good times and how much we enjoyed working together. Then she was off to find more boxes and I was back at my desk trying to sort things out.
So, was I the child that needed comfort at an important time? Or the hero with wings who dropped out of the sky to provide it?
Today, I got a note on facebook from one of my friends. She had seen my posts and was thinking about me – and about all of my colleagues and friends that had lost their jobs. It was one of the kindest and wisest messages anyone has ever given me. Full of hope and strength and warmth. Just a few words, but quite like a hero with wings and a kind determination.
There are more changes in store as we go forward. My group is moving to a new division with new challenges and perspectives. I’ll still be a geek – I think that’s in my DNA – but it will be a new role. My friends that are gone will find new paths. Those that remain will rebuild.
And in and among the lasers and explosions, there are heroes that find those in need with a hug and a warm thought. I guess that’s how we make sense of these difficult and strange times. We reaffirm our connections and we share respect and kindness.
Kinda gives you hope, doesn’t it?