Not a Hugger

Was your father a hugger? Not all are. Some show their love in the quietest ways, literally.

Max shared this memory of his father:

"Saying my father was quiet is an understatement. He never said a word. Once when a friend asked, 'How's your son?' my father said, 'He's a good kid.' This was the best I ever got out of him."

His father’s rare words carried extra weight precisely because they were so uncommon.

"He wasn't affectionate; still, I know he loved me," Max continued. "He was lovely and modest. He wasn't very fond of braggarts. And more than anything, he was generous. He gave all his money away. He just didn't care about it."

What strikes me is how clearly this son - no 84 - understood his father's love through values lived consistently: modesty and generosity.

What makes this memory even more precious is that Max has dementia. This childhood recollection remained crystal clear—a testament to how deeply these quiet displays imprinted on his heart.

It makes me wonder about the quiet influences in all our lives.

Who in your life taught you through example rather than words? What values did they demonstrate that you carry with you today?

Sometimes the quietest voices leave the loudest echoes in our lives. I'd love to hear about yours.

Capture those memories before they fade.

Working with Max is a reminder of how important it is to preserve and individual’s stories before they're lost. If you have a loved one with mild to moderate cognitive decline, I can help. Click on the logo below to learn more about preserving these precious memories while we still can.