Today
we faced one of the hardest moments of the trip: the last official hug
time. For those have not been keeping up with the AGLP, hug time is the
official pre-bedtime activity in which we all hug each other. An ongoing
tradition, it's a good way to bring the day to a close and leaves lots
of warm fuzzy feelings to sleep on. Hug time is the part of the day when
everyone feels a little closer to each other and a little more emotional.
_On a regular night, hug time is twenty minutes of shrieking and jumping
on everyone and wishing them goodnight, altogether a jubilant sight.
On this last night in Alaska, hug time went a little differently. Hugs
lasted longer, we hugged each other more than just once, and in many
cases, tears started to flow. I even caught a few of the boys shedding
a tear; that is how close people get on this trip! _
One such waterspout was participant Jenny Slaght. "The last hug time was
really sad because I didn't want to leave and I had made so many new friends," Jenny
said. Junior leader Ashley Smith had similar feelings. "This is the last
time this specific group of people is going to be together here," Ashley
said. _ Even the kids who did not cry could feel the sadness. "It doesn't
really hit me until I'm back home and no one's [from the trip] there," Junior
leader Kay Fitzsimmons said. Like Kay, I did not get really upset either at the
final hug time. I feel like "this isn't the end yet, we still have until
we get off the bus in Marshall." For me, that's when the trip is really
over, although I do admit I teared up when I was hugging my van buddies._
Now, what's the big deal about hugs? Well, in addition to expressing your feelings,
hugs can show other people your personality. For example, Suzy Grant has a bright,
high-energy spirit that matches her hug. When Suzy hugs you, one is reminded
of a small rocket ship. She looks at you with her brilliant blue eyes and wide
smile, and then quite literally launches herself into your arms. Another hugger
who shows his personality is Austin Robison. A sometimes shy, gentle individual,
Austin bend down and hug you with a sheepish smile. _
The hugs can be categorized under the wider genre of styles as well. The first
type of hug is your typical arms-around-each-other and squeeze. This is the most
common style of hug on the trip, although each individual still shows their personality.
For example, David Doud always told everyone he hugged to "sleep well." The
second kind of hug is the Brandon Jordan style, where the hug-giver picks up
the hug-ee and spins them around in the air. The Brandon Jordan style makes for
a fun ride for the hug-ee and a bit of a workout for the hugger. The last style
is the Crapo, a style almost exclusively used by boys and perfected by junior
leader Matt Crapo (and that's Crape-o, not crap-o!). For this hug, the hugger
picks up the hug-ee. Sound dull? Not when the hugger is over six-feet and could
easily pick up several participants at a time and toss them. "It's really
great for your back!" driver Ann Fitzpatrick said. "I think I'm inch
taller from all the kinks that got worked out!" Like Ann says, the Crapo
is a good way to get a back crack. _
The last hug time was wonderful fun and yet a sad event. July fifth was the last
time most of us will get to be hugged by eighty people at one time. We have learned
how to tell people apart by their different hugs and the best to get our backs
cracked. We've been told "sweet dreams" and "sleep well" enough
times to make it hard to NOT fall asleep, and we have all been brought closer
by our nightly hugging ritual. Will we miss it? Yes, but we can all find comfort
in the fact that we will see each other again when school starts and will be
able to experience those unique hugs all over again. |