11 Comments
User's avatar
James Bailey's avatar

This said it all Larry: “Will’s voice cracked.

So did a piece of my heart.”

And then your hug showed it all. ❤️

Beneath all our beliefs, and differences, we’re all walking and connected hearts.

You showed us that. 🙏

Simon Emslie's avatar

The hug is such a special moment. That it took you both by surprise adds to the humanity.

Larry Urish's avatar

Thanks, Simon. And again, I really appreciate your very helpful feedback.

Thriving Leadership Academy's avatar

Wow, Larry . . . this is such a beautiful example of what the world needs now (love sweet love). Don't mean to quote a Hal David lyric from the Burt Bacharach tune Dionne Warwick sung around the time your new friend Will was but a youngster, but it is apropos. Your willingness to transcend your bias and rehumanize him is a skill that is becoming increasingly important in a world so full of invitations to divide and demean other people. I tip my MAGA hat to you sir! (I don't actually have one, but you get the point.)

Larry Urish's avatar

Many thanks, Chris. Folks like Will are human, too, after all ...

Rick Lewis's avatar

I can't imagine anyone being able to show more honesty, authenticity, self-reflection and humanity in less than a thousand words Larry.

Larry Urish's avatar

Thank you, kind sir. :)

Flori Posen's avatar

Your story is a wonderful reminder that we truly are all “One”.

Claire Coley's avatar

Larry, this is beautiful. The time just disappeared reading this and the character of Will was painted so clearly.

Masterfully written 🖤

Matt Cyr's avatar

Wonderful story, Larry. Reminded me a bit of the saying “there are no atheists in foxholes.” Truck breaks down in the desert and folks quickly get color blind to the old red-blue spectrum. The hug at the end cracked me up. Well done!

Charlie Bleecker's avatar

A beautiful story.