Tru Dawg

Truman

His name was Truman. I lovingly referred to him as Tru Dawg. He certainly was the most true dog I have ever met. You never had to guess his emotions. If he was happy, his tail would wag excessively. If he was excited and wanted to play, he would bounce around a room with his toy in his mouth. Even in his last weeks on Earth. If he was angry, he would show his teeth and growl a little. This was usually when someone got too close to his food or he felt like someone was threatening a loved one. Words will never express the love and gratitude we have for this creature, but I am going to tell you about him anyway.

First and Foremost Truman was a Guardian! He guarded us and protected us to the end. His last night on Earth, we got him to jump up on our bed so we could love him and pet him. He basked in the glory of that for a while, and even fell asleep. We hoped he would sleep with us all night, but as soon as I dozed off he jumped down and positioned himself between the door and our bed. His position of Protector. Luckily we have never had any intruders in our home, but we knew we were protected just in case. He did his "job" well! 

He loved to walk.

He was a Walker, just like me! His absolute favorite thing in the world was to go for a walk. Just saying the word "walk" would elicit tail wagging to the extreme. If you put on your shoes, he would get up and be ready. If you headed to the door, he would be right behind you wagging his tail. In his younger days he would walk 5 miles no problem. As he got older, that distance shortened of course. But that didn't keep him from wanting to walk further. There were many times we would get him to turn around to go home because we knew he would be worn out. He would look at us like "But I can walk further, I promise". We fell for it a couple of times and we almost had to carry him back. Ha! He would come home and gobble up some water, then collapse on the floor for a nap. But if we mentioned the word "walk", he would jump up again ready to go. We never did that to him of course! I loved walking that dog. LOVED IT! 

He loved to smell!

He was a Smeller! The other thing he loved to do was smell! Smelling and walking go hand in hand of course, but he would take smelling to a whole other level if you let him. He could sniff a tree, or the ground for long periods of time if you let him. If he picked up the scent of a squirrel or rabbit, his tail would perk up and he would pick up his pace. Walker beware! 

But he also loved to lay around outside and just enjoy the day!

Some days he would be outside lying in the grass, and if you tried to get him to come in he would just look at you like you were crazy. It would take some coaxing some days. Sometimes we even needed to bribe him with a treat. He really seemed to know what was important in life.

That made him a Teacher! He taught us many things along the way. I will borrow from an old post to share the things he taught us.

If dogs were our teachers, this is what we would learn... among other wonderful things;

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them; He always greeted me or Connie at the door when we came home. Even when Connie came home at midnight thirty and he was sleeping. The sound of the door would stir him into action and he would greet her at the door every time.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure DELIGHT.  You should see some photos Connie has of him "smiling" in the wind. 
• Take naps; He certainly could take great naps.
• Stretch before rising; Oh to stretch like he stretched!
• Run, romp, and play daily; He loved to play with his "toys".
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you; A good rub down? Check! 
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do; His growl was effective enough.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass; Or on your belly, as he did.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree; He didn't love the heat, but he could gobble up some water.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body; He danced in his own way for sure.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk; Did I mention he loved to walk? It is one of the greatest joys we shared. I loved walking that dog, even when it was just to the mailbox and back in his later days. 
• Be loyal; There was no doubting his loyalty!
• Never pretend to be something you're not; Like I said, he was a True Dog
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it; He would dig now and then. 
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently;  He was effective with therapy in that way for sure. The beauty of Truman, or any dog, is that he didn't need to talk to you to understand you, and visa versa. 

Connie and Truman nuzzling each other this past weekend. It melts my heart!

We said goodbye to our dear friend today. As we did, I was reminded of a story I have heard in the past. It doesn't lessen the blow, but it still makes me smile.

Some parents wondered out loud why dogs live such short lives. Their six year old said he knew why and gave the explanation below...

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Amen!!

RIP Tru Dawg!!!

Now Go Out and Hug a Furry Friend Today!!!

Highlights of Beslan/Russia 2018 Part 3 Finale

Such great smiles and laughs at the school.

Day 3 was our first day at the school this year. It felt like coming home. The kids squeal with laughter and giggles as we walk in. Several run to me calling "Cheep!Cheep!" and reach up for hugs. My favorite part of this trip is greeting the children at the school and collecting hugs! If your soul ever needs rejuvenating, just hug a child.

The kids love Freddy too.

After hugging and playing with the kids at the school, we headed to another local orphanage. The kids at this orphanage have serious neurological disorders, among other things. Nobody has ever visited them from outside the orphanage. I was happy and proud to be part of the first group to visit. I hope we can visit more in the future, and maybe the orphanage will allow other visitors now. These kids need love, hugs and fun just as much as any other kid, maybe more so?! For instance, Masha doesn't have an eye, but she has arms! So she can hug as well as any kid I have ever met.

Masha with Freddy

After the orphanage we went to the mountains to have dinner with our friends Zeta and Marat. Zeta used to be the minister of education. She was very instrumental in allowing Maria to continue her visits to the school, when some people wanted to stop her. God Bless Zeta and her husband Marat. They are true friends and have a beautiful dacha in the mountains.

Not a bad place to have dinner.

Day 4 was spent playing at the school some more. This is also the day we go on our ice cream excursion with Maria's class. I am fortunate enough to be invited every year! Not every clown gets to go :0)... This year we walked to the restaurant which allowed for more great bonding time. I love the walks with the kids, and of course enjoying ice cream with them. Yummy Marozhna!

Leading the kids to ice cream

It is a fancy restaurant, the kids love it!

Later we toured the museum and old school. Every year I hear new stories about the tragedy. It keeps me focused on continuing the visits with Maria. Maria bought a house in Beslan this past year. The teenagers and young adults from Russia stay there during our visit. We went there after school for dinner and social hour. It is a great time to hang with some of the older kids from the school who are allowed to come over and have dinner with us.

The older boys cook Schlaslik for us. My favorite!

 Day 5 is the concert. The kids perform for us and the their fellow classmates. Showing off skills, dances, or artwork they did during the week. Plus the older kids do some local traditional dances for us. It is always great fun to watch. After the concert we went to an orphanage we visit every year as well. There weren't as many kids there as usual, and I think it is because it was Easter weekend in Russia. Orphans still visit their families on weekends, and especially on holidays. We had our farewell dinner in a restaurant in the countryside and said our goodbyes. As always, it was a lovely week. I can hardly wait for next year.

The next day on our way out we stopped and visited the gravesites of the 334 victims. It is always emotional, but still important to visit. On the way to the airport I got to ride in Campbell's fancy "race" car. He is a bit wild with his driving, but it was so much fun! We boarded our plane and headed back to Moscow. Such bitter sweetness. I flew home to America the next day. I am always exhausted, yet rejuvenated after my Russian trips. I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything.

               Now Go Out and Hug a Child Today!!!
 

Highlights from Russia/Beslan Part 2

Children at a CP clinic in Beslan

As I said in my previous post, we visited several places IN the community. This is after clowning in the streets of Vladikavkaz to warm up :0). Our first visit, and probably my favorite, was at a clinic for kids with Cerebral Palsy (CP). This place was so lively, colorful and fun! The staff were energetic and full of laughter and love. The kids played with us while doing their therapy at the same time. They also use Hippa Therapy here, which means they use horses. Horses are great for kids with CP as it helps their muscles stretch a little easier. I feel this place incorporates play in their therapy a lot, but having clowns made it that much more enjoyable we hope! I hope we go back every year!

Great colors at the CP clinic

In the afternoon we went to a small orphanage in the middle of nowhere! It was an hour drive, and so worth it. There were 20 plus kids there. All from 5 different families. A close knit group for sure. I was greeted by twins, Yulia and Tanya. Yulia belly laughed as soon as she saw me. Then she grabbed my hand and gave me a tour of the place.. through the main room, to all of the bedrooms, and finally to a small playroom, which is also used for music. It was such fun! The kids played with balloons as other children played music, sang and danced for us.

Yulia and Tanya with my friend Zhorik

Kids played with balloons while others sang and performed

Before this visit we went to a cool local restaurant for a late lunch. The owner of the restaurant is an extraordinary and lovely man. His restaurant doubles as a museum, representing the cultures of the area and Chechnya. He is from Chechnya. He grew up in Russia and now lives near Beslan. He took Maria and Me to Chechnya for an extremely personal trip. It was an experience I will never forget! We could have never crossed the border from N. Ossetia to Chechnya without him with us. I am so grateful to this man for the gift he gave to me and Maria!



Nastya warms up the young kids for me

On our second day we visited a baby orphanage in the morning. In Russia, baby orphanages are for kids ages 1 to 5. At 5 they are sent to a "regular" orphanage. The kids here are typically leery of strangers, and for good reason. Luckily I had Nastya with me. She warmed the kids up slowly, as they got used to my presence. I am forever grateful for her. Two kids who were crying when they first saw me, were sitting in my lap at the end of our play session. Thank you Nastya.

Of course they come right to Maria with no hesitation :0)
 

After the baby orphanage we visited Dur Dur Village. This is an orphanage we visit every year. I love going back here. I have developed some connections with some of the kids for sure. Zao comes to greet me every time. He asked me for my camera again this year, but I forgot to bring it. So I gave him my kazooba tuba to play with instead. He is a bright and lively teenager!

We played and laughed and ate a yummy late lunch here. It is a beautiful setting for an orphanage and I feel the kids enjoy our visit as a break from their day to day routine. I know we enjoy it. After leaving Dur Dur, we head to the mountains for a dip in the hot springs. It is such a gloriously beautiful area. It is energizing and refreshing to swim in the natural hot springs. A good way to end our mid week day. The second half of the week will be in my next post.

               Now Go Out and Hug a Child Today!!!
 

Highlights from Russia/Beslan 2018 Part 1.

Painting at Maria's dacha

As always, my trip begins with some time spent at Maria's dacha outside of Moscow. It is a great way to acclimate to the time change, meet any new people who are coming, and share time with Maria and her family. On Saturdays a group of kids from one of the orphanages in Moscow come to her country studio to paint, make ceramics and play. All the kids are wonderful, but Maxim had to be the cutest 3 year old I have seen in a while, and he loved my kazooba tuba.

Maxim and my kazooba tuba

Sunday night Maria took us to a great small venue for a concert. Seregei and his band were fabulous! Plus I got to see my sweet Ira and her fiancé Maxim. They looked so great together. I met Ira in 2007 at Maria's summer camp. She was 10 at the time, and so playful. You would never had known she had been thru one of the greatest tragedies in Russian history. Her brother and sister were killed in the Beslan siege. She is now ready to graduate from college with a degree in psychology I believe. She deserves a lifetime of happiness, and I hope Maxim provides it with her!

Ira and Maxim

 

Sergei and his band

On Monday we flew to Beslan. Fun travels as usual and we were greeted in Vladikavkaz by our friends from the school. And I was greeted by my friend Aslan once again! It is such a joy to see a dear friend, even if it is only once a year. Monday was a relaxing settle into our rooms kinda evening. We did have dinner at Maria's room with the teachers as usual.

Aslan and Chip outside the Vladikavkaz airport. He greets me every year! Next year we hope to go into the mountains together and explore the beauty there. I can't wait.

This years trip to Beslan was a little different. I think Maria is "transitioning" on purpose. The siege was over 13 years ago. All of the kids who were in the school at the time of the siege have graduated. It is still a big part of the history and we still need to visit the school, but now we do a little more "work" in the community. So we spent two days going to different orphanages, the open market, and a clinic for kids with Cerebral Palsy. Then we spent 3 days in the school having master classes like always, culminating in a concert. I like the transition personally. We want the whole community to know we support them, as they were ALL effected by the siege. Parents, other adults, and the now grown children still live in Beslan and still have horrific memories. They need Maria and others to continue the support. Plus, two of the kids who have graduated from the school organize all of our visits! Vika and Campbell did an amazing job of contacting local places and organizing everything. We even visited a center for children with "severe" neurological disorders. Nobody as ever visited these kids, until now! They are such lovely children too!

My next blog will be a little more description of each visit we made, so stay tuned...


              Now Go Out and Hug a Child Today!!!

Airport Fun Again, 2018

Folks are almost always willing to put on a nose for a photo. 

Once again, traveling to Russia was all part of the fun and a great way to start my trip. The lady who checked me in at United Airlines, Nicki, was delightful and funny! I was standing in line waiting for an open spot. She hollered "OK clown, Come on down!". Her coworker next to her got a worried look on her face (especially with United's recent history), until she saw me of course :0). Then we all had a good laugh. I have nothing but good things to say about United. Nicki even arranged my seating around to give me window seats. Or maybe to keep me as far from the aisle as possible? Ha. Later when I was in line at security I heard someone call out "Mr. Daly!". I was a little nervous I did something wrong, but alas it was Nicki and a friend waving to me with big smiles.

Once I get thru security the fun continues. Michael came up to me, a little awkward and shy, and asked to take my photo. I happily obliged. I in turn asked him to put on a nose and take a photo with me. He gladly reciprocated.

Natural Clowns abound

A petite young blond woman asked me why I was dressed as a clown. This question is asked several times on my trips usually. It gives me the opportunity to talk about Maria's Children and the wonderful friends I have in Russia. It also allows me to ask questions in return. This particular young woman was fascinating to me. Her name is Amy Fearnside and she is the 3rd ranked wrestler in the USA in her weight class. She was on her way to an international competition. After she went to her plane, I googled her (with her permission). She seems to have quite an interesting story according to the World Wide Web. I love meeting people like that. You truly never know who you are talking to at any given moment, unless it is George Clooney or someone of that stature.

I played with 2 young Hispanic boys ages 6 and 9. Their mom joined in for a few minutes before they thanked me and went off to eat lunch. An airline employee came up to me and told me how nice that was... apparently they had just missed their flight and were going to have to wait 5 hours for another flight. I never know these details unless someone offers it up. I am just there to play with whoever is willing. These two boys and their mother were willing, and a language barrier had no bearing on the fun :0).

One young girl saw me on the plane ride from Helsinki to Moscow and proceeded to "play" with me for 2 hours using her stuffed animal as I used my bird puppet Freddy. When we deboarded, her mom asked if she could take a photo of us. As this 5 year old girl turned to leave me, she turned back and gave me a big bear hug! My heart always melts in moments like this.

As you travel throughout this great big world, remember to always have fun and enjoy the ride. You just never know who you might meet.

           Now Go Out and Hug a Traveler Today!!!

Zhorik and a Spy House

Zhorik in his Poker Room

My friend Justin AKA Zhorik wanted to be a spy. Instead he fell in love with a Russian woman 30 years ago. Check out his Memoir on Amazon "How Not To Become a Spy" by Justin Lifflander. 

          https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Become-Spy-memoir-ebook/dp/B00NOU9XP6

He has lived in Russia for 30 years now and currently lives in what I call a Spy House. He had it custom built and it has several surprises, tunnels, hidden doors, and more. I only spent one night there, and hope to spend more in the future. He also has a 'cabin' in the corner of his fenced in yard that he uses as a Poker House. Of course a hidden tunnel leads to it. It is a poker players dream to play in such "houses". We played poker in the regular house this trip due to snow/cold.

Notice the space helmet and other stuff.

I slept in a room that resembled a rocket. Actually, I am told it is modeled after the bridge of the Starship Enterprise! It was quite cozy and fun, complete with a green light that changed the color of the room. Star Wars and Star Trek memorabilia and a space helmet adorned the cabinets in the room. If you ever want to spend a night in a Spy's House and sleep in a rocket room, let me know. I can probably hook you up. You will have to travel to Russia to do so.

His wine cellar

After lunch the first room we visited was the wine cellar. He has quite the collection. A homemade wine cabinet is on the right wall, beautifully decorated in Russian artwork. Justin and his wife Alla are depicted on the cabinet. On the opposite wall is a hidden door.... Because after visiting the wine cellar you should really go for a swim.

The hidden door is behind the painting on the left wall.

You can not tell there is a hidden door behind the painting on the left wall. I mean it is not noticeable, and YOU CAN NOT TELL ANYONE! :0). The pool and hot tub were very inviting, but alas I was not dressed for a swim. Onto the next room...\

Combo Home Theater and Billiards Room

There are so many twists and turns and hidden passageways that I honestly don't remember how we got to this room. I imagine it could double as a bunker if there was ever a nuclear attack, but just a guess. I could sit in those comfy seats and watch movies all night!

Behind the billiards table (not z bookcase)

Ah, another hidden door and tunnel led us from the Home Theater/Billiards room to another room of intrigue and beauty. I called it the Dragon Room. Justin probably has a more formal name for it? Actually, before I posted this he informed me it is indeed called "The Dragon Room" I like it!

Dragon Room

There is a dragon on the far wall. Another one greets you with wine in it's paws as you enter the room. A small set of stairs leads you to comfortable furniture and over a small "river" that runs from the first dragon to a... I don't remember where it goes to be honest.

A secret attic to play in for the kids.

He even had a small attic made above his office space for his kids and grandkids. The children in the photo are his grandkids. Another hidden door and a secret ladder takes you up to this room, if you can find it and if you can FIT. I barely did!

A 4 season room

There are some "traditional" rooms in the house like bedrooms, kitchen, living room, etc. My favorite of these rooms was the 4 season room. It was so warm and inviting with a view of the yard with big bay windows. A great place to meditate, read or whatever.

Maria's Children artwork

Of course, Maria's Children artwork is throughout the house. This is one of my favorite pieces. As per the theme of the house, there are hidden "things" in it. Can you find the Lions, Elephants, Giraffes and Zebras? These are the 4 family groups at Maria's summer camp. You can click on the photo get a closer look if you wish.

I am posing as the picture of me on the lantern is shown. Fairly accurate. The only addition is "Freddy the Freebird" is holding my poker winnings in his mouth! Yes, I won 200 rubles in a Spy House in Russia once. Can anyone else say that? Ha ha ha!!!

Me and Guillaume

And finally, I am honored to "live" in his house for all eternity. Some of the kids made this stained glass lantern cover. Justin bought it at the auction. I am on it with Guillaume (best humanitarian clown in the world currently). On the other side are Maria and Patch. It humbles me to be in such great company, including Justin's! Thank you my friend for the fun.

Now Go Out and Hug a Friend or a Spy Today!!!

Mama Lulu



Mama Lulu and her master class. She taught origami and the kids put on a swan lake show.

Meet Mama Lulu... A fascinating, extraordinary woman with an equally interesting story. Since I don't speak Russian, I have gotten Mama Lulu's story second hand from a couple of different people. So, please excuse me if some of the details are not 100% accurate. And remember, First impressions are not always the best or lasting ones, Thank God.

Mama Lulu worked as a teacher in an orphanage in Moscow for over 30 years. It was an orphanage that Maria visited to work with the children. Apparently, Mama Lulu did not like Maria or her program for many years! It is quite unfathomable to me that anyone would not like Maria or her program, but that is what I was told. Was it because Maria "interfered" with Mama's work? Did she just not see the benefit? I don't know the answer, just wondering why.

Mama Lulu and more games

Through years of perseverance and dedication, Maria won Mama Lulu over somehow. Maria usually does. Now that Mama Lulu is retired, Maria invites her to travel and work with the program at the studio. Mama Lulu now obliges happily. She traveled to Beslan with us for the first time.

I was told Mama Lulu was a "hard" teacher. Discipline was the rule. She is a strong woman with a strong voice, and I presume she did things the way she did to keep the children from getting unruly. You would never know that to look at her now, as she is a happy fun playful woman. And the children absolutely LOVE HER without question. Children need a "hard" love at times and discipline. Mama Lulu provided that at the highest level I feel!

Mama Lulu leads us in some games

When we go to orphanages we expect to play with children and interact with them one on one or two on two or so. The orphanages sometimes have other thoughts. We walk into an orphanage and they have set up chairs in front of a "stage". The children are sitting waiting for us to "perform". Well, the clowns I travel with don't typically perform, we just play. But it always throws us for a loop. This happened to us at Dur Dur Village once again. And who stepped up? Mama Lulu did. With her booming voice and large smile, she took control of the room and organized group games so the children would be involved and active, and the clowns would be off the hook :0). She did this naturally and with no fanfare. I could not have thanked her enough for her gift!

Now Go Out and Hug a Mama Today!!!

Sarmat, My Friend

Sarmat and Chip

Meet Sarmat. I just love this kid. I remembered him from last year, but I couldn't remember his name. Our story got really touching this year, as I will explain. Last year we were on a bus ride to get ice cream. I was sitting in a seat with 2 young girls who were talking to me in Russian. I tried to explain to them that I didn't understand much Russian, but that is difficult to convey to 9 year olds, ha. Meanwhile, Sarmat was sitting in a seat across the aisle from us being quiet, which is his nature. Occasionally he would look over at me and say "They are asking you if you have any brothers or sisters", and then look ahead quietly again. He did this several times on our bus trip and it fascinated me. With my experience, I knew he was probably on the spectrum of autism, most likely having Asperger's. But I don't like to label the children in that way. Either way, I remembered him.

Chip and Sarmat outside Ice Cream shop

This year he came up to me and played a little. He would try to grab my nose, like the other kids do when they play with me. Or look to see what magic trick I might do or what might come out of my pocket. This year we walked to get ice cream. He held my hand part of the way, which was very sweet. He played a bit more after we had ice cream, and then went home with his grandma. As he was leaving his grandma wanted a photo of us, so we obliged. She told him to smile, but that is not a natural thing for him to do. He did pose for the photo though.

Now here is where the story gets good... Later that evening I was at Maria's house in Beslan eating dinner. One of the teachers asked me if I saw the post on WhatsApp. I said "no". So she pulled out her phone and showed me. Of course it was in Russian, but luckily I was sitting next to my new friend Hannes who was bilingual. In fact he speaks 9 languages I think? But that is another story. Anyway, Hannes read the story to me interpreting it in English. The basic of the post was Sarmat's mom posted our photo from the ice cream shop and said "Sarmat came home today and told me the clown was his friend. I don't know who the clown is, but it is absolutely rare for him to call someone his friend. I want to thank this clown". That is the best I can remember it anyway. I cried as Hannes read this, because I know how hard it is for a child with autism to make friends. I felt like we had connected, but now I know we connected!

The story gets even better... I am a little hazy with the details, but on the post there was another photo of me. I am not sure if someone else posted it to the link? Or Sarmat's mom found it? Anyway, it was a photo of me from summer camp 2007. This is the summer I connected and fell in love with the children of Beslan. Especially the ones in my family group. In the photo I am sitting on bench in the sun smiling. Coincidentally it is the same photo hanging in the school's museum. What I didn't notice before was, there is a young lady sitting behind me leaning over and smiling into the camera (photo  bomb of sorts). This young lady was Leeza, one of the girls in my family group. The caption to the photo read "Leeza is Sarmat's sister". I was blown away! Leeza and Sarmat are 11 years apart, so I never imagined he was a brother of someone I knew. Let alone a girl I was very fond of since 2007. It was absolutely incredible to me.

On Saturday, Leeza brought Sarmat to the school for the concert we put on every year. They came into the head teacher's office where I was sitting before the concert. We chatted a little and Sarmat and I played a little in our own world. I brought out noses of course and helped Sarmat put one on. I gave one to Leeza and we took photos. The sequence of the photos still amazes me. The first photo is the one at top. Sarmat and I posing naturally for a selfie. The next two photos will show a progression of incredibleness. The first photo Sarmat kinda smiles while Leeza and I are laughing. The last photo shows Sarmat with a clown nose on, clearly smiling! See for yourself.

Leeza, Sarmat, and Me

Sarmat clearly smiling with a clown nose on.

Bless my soul these photos touch my heart... But this next photo touches my heart much much more! I was at the concert, watching and taking photos as I always do. When I looked over to the opposite side of the room, I saw Sarmat in the audience watching the show... with his clown nose still on!! No influence from me, just him being "naturally" a clown. Oh how I would love to know what he thinks about. It is not a great photo, but just the same I love it.

You can see Sarmat in the lower right hand corner with a nose on. 

After the show, Sarmat hung around to greet me one last time. We played a little and I met his brother Azam. Azam looked to be about 19 or so. I had never met him. He seems like a fine young man though, and clearly enchanted with his brother, as I am. As we said our goodbyes, Sarmat reached his arms up and gave me a hug! My heart and soul melted right there and then. I can not wait to see him next year! Thank You Sarmat, My Friend.

Now Go Out and Hug a Child Today!!!