tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-350900071703238442.post5090447177757106594..comments2023-10-29T10:23:51.132-04:00Comments on Sully's Side: Mr. Tad's Thanksgiving; and some sappy stuffSullyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07252150116803332194noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-350900071703238442.post-12015975343154069032008-12-03T04:16:00.000-05:002008-12-03T04:16:00.000-05:00If you look at the oldest portrait photos, you wil...If you look at the oldest portrait photos, you will find that people generally did not smile and that physical contact was limited. I have always suspected that in the old days, people frowned upon overt displays of emotion.<BR/><BR/>There is no doubt that hugs are important, particularly for infants. As you may know, infants who are not held or touched in orphanages have been know to suffer from "failure to thrive".<BR/><BR/>Being touched also releases endorphins. Perhaps it is Mother Nature's way of ensuring the survival of the species.<BR/><BR/>But hugs can also come at a price, as some people use them as a form of manipulation.<BR/><BR/>What is most important is whether or not someone is there to share in your troubles and your triumphs. For some people, lending a helping hand is their way of giving you a hug.<BR/><BR/>***Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-350900071703238442.post-75348915359206898962008-12-02T08:57:00.000-05:002008-12-02T08:57:00.000-05:00Anon,Thanks for the comment and the good wishes. I...Anon,<BR/>Thanks for the comment and the good wishes. I hope you had a great holiday also. <BR/><BR/>You're causing me to think about writing a very difficult post on the paradox at the center of our close family. Mom and Pop were not demonstrative about their feelings in any of the usual ways. <BR/><BR/>True fact - I don't remember Mom or Pop ever hugging any of us. And I don't remember our grandparents ever hugging any of us after we were too big to pick up and hold. Mom, in fact, used to joke about the hugging habit that was brought into the family by my one aunt. <BR/><BR/>I never doubted for a second that any of us could ask for anything within their power to give and Mom and Pop would do it for us; but the idea of returning home, even after a couple of years away, and having an emotional scene was completely alien. You have me trying to remember if I ever shook Pop's hand.Sullyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07252150116803332194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-350900071703238442.post-90178799503627201132008-12-01T02:13:00.000-05:002008-12-01T02:13:00.000-05:00Discussing the time spent with those you love at T...Discussing the time spent with those you love at Thanksgiving and being thankful for the fact that you have such a wonderful and supportive family who does much more than just see each other at weddings and funerals is not sappy.<BR/><BR/>It's nice. And I enjoyed reading about it.<BR/><BR/>I'm glad you had a wonderful holiday.<BR/><BR/>My very best to everyone in your family.<BR/><BR/>***Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com