Free hugs on Park Street

On my way home from the Rally Agile Success Tour  in Boston, I barely noticed the usual hustle and bustle of Park Street.  There were a few people taking surveys, a couple of Mormon missionaries, a homeless person, and some street vendors, but they were a mere backdrop to the young woman holding up a FREE HUGS sign.

I was hit with a pang of shyness, so I sat back for a moment and watched a few people as they approached her.  Some walked toward her tentatively while others strode right up.  Heartened by all this, I too was ready.

I asked her what this was for.  “To make people happy,” she said, as she accepted my embrace and embraced me in return. 

I said thank you.  But for some reason, I feel like I should say it again.

Thank you.