I’m a hugger. It’s just who I am, and if I’m being honest, I’m kind of known for being a good one! If I look back on the last few years, there are certainly hugs that I will never forget….this story is about one of those.
While some other moms might be choosing to share a story of their children hugging the new Big Hugs Elmo as it came out of the box, my story is about me and the impact that his first hug had on me. It comes as no surprise that I have literally every Elmo and that he is important to me, because of how important he was to Zack. Since Zack died, it’s almost as if Elmo embodies everything that was real and beautiful about my son. That might seem strange, but the truth is, it’s so amazing that for me and for our family (especially Ty and Jayden), we have something tangible on earth to remind us. I will never forget hugging the REAL Elmo at Sesame Place and sobbing in his arms.
When Big Hugs Elmo arrived, I hadn’t seen it, but knew that it was bigger and more interactive than any other Elmo. I had no idea that when I opened the box and held Elmo, wrapped his arms around my neck and hugged him, that it would feel as if my son was back in my arms. I captured the moment on camera to share that incredibly raw and meaning moment.
Since that moment, I have had many times when I just needed a hug- just to remember Zack and his own beautiful arms around me- so I grab my Big Hug Elmo and squeeze.
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| Jayden and I in the “Hugging Booth” with Elmo! |
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| Meeting Elmo at Beaches in Jamaica. Another memorable hug. |
CONTEST!
I’m so thrilled to be giving away a Big Hugs Elmo on this blog!
Big Hugs Elmo loves getting hugs, but he really loves giving them! After getting a hug from Elmo, little ones can pretend along with him, and even dance, sing, nap, and cuddle with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street pal!
Hug your Big Hugs Elmo toy and he really hugs back! Dance and sing with Elmo! Move Elmo around and see how he responds! Pretend with 4 fun imagination scenarios about astronauts, rabbits, frogs and horses! Lay Elmo down and he gets sleepy and sings a lullaby!
Please comment below with a time when a hug really helped you get through a tough time and you could win (include your email addy or link to your personal FB page so I can contact you!)!
Don’t forget to “like” Playskool on FB and follow them on Twitter to talk more about Big Hugs Elmo!
Contest ends October 21st, 2013.
Disclaimer: I’m so thrilled to share my love of Elmo as one of the Big Hugs Elmo Ambassadors with PTPA. I’ve been compensated for writing this post, but the truth is….I would have done it for nothing!
Julia Suppa
October 3, 2013 at 2:41 pm (11 years ago)A lovely story Heather. I actually thought of you and Zack when we got our Elmo too!
Heather Hamilton
October 3, 2013 at 2:53 pm (11 years ago)I really love that my Zack will forever be remembered when people see Elmo. xo
djc319
October 3, 2013 at 4:41 pm (11 years ago)I really needed a big Hug when my Mom lost her battle w/cancer.I also come from a family of Huggers but they all live in NJ where we flew my Mom to Rest.And when I got there I got all the hugs I needed.Sure would have loved to have a Big Hugs Elmo before I got there.I’m so glad you have one to share such wonderful reminders of Zack for you & your family !Big Hugs to you all !
Tammy inRdream
October 3, 2013 at 6:31 pm (11 years ago)I didn’t know your Zach Heather, but I am in tears whenever I hear you share his beauty. Much like Julia I do think of Zach when I see Elmo. You are a wonderful mother.
flowerchild
October 4, 2013 at 12:10 pm (11 years ago)When I lost my mother a few years ago a hug really helped me.
thanks
flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com
Laura
October 4, 2013 at 8:02 pm (11 years ago)I remember one time, not too long ago, when I was upset about work. Something was going wrong and I had a rough phone call with my manager about it. I was in tears because I felt like a failure. My daughter was around 2 at the time. I had been crying about it in my bedroom and she knew something was wrong. Without asking, she came to me and gave me a hug that changed my mood. Because she was able to recognize at such a young age that a hug could help me, an adult, meant more to me than she realized.
Melissa Finn
October 5, 2013 at 4:43 am (11 years ago)Wow! You are such an amazing woman and mom! We adore Elmo in our house. My son’s hugs are the best hugs out there. They always cheer me up and I know my hugs are healing to my child. Whether he’s hurt or just sad.
Melissa Finn
October 5, 2013 at 4:44 am (11 years ago)My email is finnmelissa@hotmail.com
Lori's Place
October 7, 2013 at 1:48 am (11 years ago)My husband was diagnosed last year with an aggressive Leukemia. The hugs from my sister as I got home from a tough day at the hospital kept me going through the hard times.
loriagalbraith at gmail dot com
Martina - GetReal Momma
October 7, 2013 at 10:45 am (11 years ago)When ds5 was born I struggled with breastfeeding. I wanted to so bad. I was at the point of giving up when my mother in law came up with a glass of water and a huge hug. It worked!
Christine McN
October 7, 2013 at 1:45 pm (11 years ago)Heather, this is such a beautiful post. Sending you HUGS from Manitoulin! xoxo
Amy Heffernan
October 7, 2013 at 6:42 pm (11 years ago)A hug really helped my when I lost my grandparents. 🙁
Savanah Oz
October 7, 2013 at 6:50 pm (11 years ago)When i met my mother after 5 long years i can’t forget how she hugged me and it felt someone put life back in me and how i felt ALIVE it felt so warmed and brought tears of joys in our eyes. I wanted her hug so bad i just could not ever forget that!!
ozsavanah at gmail dot com
Beth
October 7, 2013 at 6:51 pm (11 years ago)It’s been a rough month with school, work, and family. I was close to throwing in the towel with school and a friend called me up and gave me a hug over the phone. Later that afternoon I was telling my husband how much that had meant to me and my two little girls heard me and they both ran over and gave me a huge hug that were followed by snuggles. They told me that I had to keep going and that I could do it. Things are so much better with a hug.
jennifer capin
October 7, 2013 at 6:52 pm (11 years ago)This comment has been removed by the author.
jennifer capin
October 7, 2013 at 6:56 pm (11 years ago)This weekend was a devastating one for my Family. Our cat of 20 years suddenly became ill and took his last breath cuddling in my arms. My 7 year old Son came over to me, gave me a hug, wiped my tears away told me that he loved me. That’s a hug that’ll stay with me forever. jjcapin@gmail.com
Freebie Seeking Momma
October 7, 2013 at 7:42 pm (11 years ago)I needed a hug most when I found out I was pregnant. I was a strung out addict that I wouldn’t have given you ten dollars for my whole life! I found out I was pregnant and everyone was evil to me told me I couldn’t get sober and I should have an abortion. This was 5 years ago I am now sober in recovery every day! I have a 3 and 4 year old who is beautiful my own house and my own blog. I love my life chris_email29@yahoo.com
Sweet Panda
October 7, 2013 at 8:44 pm (11 years ago)I needed a hug the most when I lost my first baby. Everything was fine until when I was about 20 weeks pregnant. The ultrasound found out that there was a bubble in the baby’s brain. And then I was sent to an expert in Mount Sinai Hospital for a detail check and only to find even more serious problems. The nerve or channel that connected tihe left and right side of the baby’s brain did not form. They could not tell us what to expect. On my way back home, I was crying and crying in the subway and I didn’t know what to do. He was my first baby. They could not tell me what this happened and all they could do was sent me to Sick Children Hospital to have a MRI done just to confirm. Those waiting time was horrible and it was a torture to me. Tehn unfortunately, the results were not good. My baby left me when he was 24 weeks. I cried and cried and I felt like my soul was not inside my body anymore. A week later, I suffered infection inside and was stayed in the hospital for a week. My brain was full of blame of myself of not being able to properly protect my baby and I blame myself for what happened (even though the doctor had already told us it has nothing to do with gene). Even though right now, I have two healthy kids, he is still always in my heart and always in my mind. Even thinking about him, typing out this message make me cry. I still miss him a lot a lot…
Product Junki
October 7, 2013 at 8:49 pm (11 years ago)my most recent need for a big hug stems from attending my first blogging conference. It was so overwhelming, and the content was so moving i was in tears, i felt out of place, confused and alone, missing my family 6 hours away. it was the first time i left my son (2yrs old and also a huge “MehMo” fan) and longed for his embrace. face time just wasn’t cutting it. My roommate must have sensed my loneliness as the next thing i knew i was being mob hugged in the hallway by a great bunch of ladies. I love your story, its so moving. Im deeply saddened by your loss but know what you are doing is helping others. keep it up. chin up, shoulders back woman and keep on going. Bless you.
Marie S
October 8, 2013 at 1:56 am (11 years ago)When my baby girl falls and hurts herself she likes hugs and seeing her upset makes me want hugs too.
Maya Fitzpatrick
October 8, 2013 at 2:13 am (11 years ago)Wow! Thanks for sharing. The tears are still streaming… I love that Elmo is meaningful to both adults and children alike. Hugs truly have so much healing power.
Viviana Marinacci
October 8, 2013 at 11:50 am (11 years ago)Last month I was 5 months pregnant 6 days, just shy of 6 weeks. I had been spotting and was told that my levels were low we were losing the baby. My 1 1/2 year old came into the bathroom where I was standing in the shower and crying… he looked up at me hopped into the shower and gave me the biggest hug I had ever gotten… looked into my eyes and kissed me… best moment of my life and the worst…. https://www.facebook.com/DoulaToronto
Kristi R.
October 9, 2013 at 4:41 pm (11 years ago)My husband accidentally closed the door on my 2 year old’s fingers the other day. He was beside himself he was in so much pain, so I just sat with him on my lap hugging him. It seemed to help. And he turned out to be okay, so it ended up alright.
hello2youtoo at hotmail dot com
Laura
October 14, 2013 at 12:53 am (11 years ago)If I was ever upset about anything, my son, Alec, would always say,”I have something to make you happy”, and he would wrap his arms little arms around my neck and give me the sweetest most love filled hug and I instantly felt happy. I miss my Alec hugs so much,Alec went to Heaven in December 2010, he was 8 (he had a brain tumor since he was 4 months old). Alec LOVED Elmo so much, just like Zach. And Elmo got Alec through so many hospital stays. I would Love a Big Hugs Elmo. We send toys etc. in to the Children’s Hospital Boston,MA/ Dana Farber on Alec’s Birthday, October 23 and would love to brighten a child’s day by winning and donating this Elmo.
And we get lots of signs from Alec, 23 is one since his birthday is the 23rd and I just noticed that you have 23 comments right now. And on the prvious post the time is 10:23.(Oct 23). I just feel Alec wanted me to send you this message.
Thank you for your inspiring blog, and I’m so sorry that you Zackie is in Heaven too and not in your arms.
From
Laura Bulmer
email address: casalec1@verizon.net
Laura
October 14, 2013 at 12:58 am (11 years ago)If I was ever upset about anything, my son, Alec, would always say,”I have something to make you happy”, and he would wrap his arms little arms around my neck and give me the sweetest most love filled hug and I instantly felt happy. I miss my Alec hugs so much,Alec went to Heaven in December 2010, he was 8 (he had a brain tumor since he was 4 months old). Alec LOVED Elmo so much, just like Zach. And Elmo got Alec through so many hospital stays. I would Love a Big Hugs Elmo. We send toys etc. in to the Children’s Hospital Boston,MA/ Dana Farber on Alec’s Birthday, October 23 and would love to brighten a child’s day by winning and donating this Elmo.
And we get lots of signs from Alec, 23 is one since his birthday is the 23rd and I just noticed that you have 23 comments right now. And on the prvious post the time is 10:23.(Oct 23). I just feel Alec wanted me to send you this message.
Thank you for your inspiring blog, and I’m so sorry that you Zackie is in Heaven too and not in your arms.
From
Laura Bulmer
email address: casalec1@verizon.net
Sue2Sueper
October 14, 2013 at 1:24 am (11 years ago)With the stresses of daily work; when the going gets too tough, it’s fantastic to come home to an understanding family and great hugs of support.
sue2sueper (at) gmail (dot) com
Jeanette Elb
October 21, 2013 at 7:07 pm (11 years ago)I really needed a hug when I lost my 12 year old dog a few weeks ago. We have lost 3 dogs in 3 years, and have also had 3 babies! (we’re expecting our 3rd). Although my 1 and 2 year old are too little to remember the girls, they have been full of hugs and I’m very thankful!!