On Saturday I was walking around before the show, checking out the local goods, ;) holding up my "Free Hugs" sign. I got a lot of smiles, and a few hugs. All of a sudden, from about 10 feet away, on the other side of the road, a kind looking brother shouts, "Free Hugs???"  I replied, "Absolutely Free!!"  With this, we approached each other for a phriendly embrace. Not knowing just what kind of hugger this man was, I was prepared for the quick, but meaningful kind given when you are on your way out the door. Much to my surprise and delight, he wanted a REAL hug.

Now, I have to say, I am a hardcore advocate of Bearhugs. My philosophy is, "The tighter, the better." This brother, (who was rather strong), obviously felt the same, because he embraced me with the kind of hug you give a long-lost Phamily member who means the world to you. It was firm, and tight, and almost unrelenting. I knew he wouldn't mind, so I squeezed back just as hard.

Here we were, two grown men, complete strangers, surrounded by thousands of people, sharing an unashamed hug for the sole purpose of brotherhood and random kindness. After what seemed like an eternity, but actually lasted about a minute or a minute and a half, we both let go so we could part ways and carry on with exploring the lot. As he turned to leave he said, "Thank you. I love you brother."

"I love you too, brother," was all I replied, and with that we went our separate ways.

I don't know of anywhere else in the world that two men who share only the common bond of being part of an extensive Phamily could have such an open, honest, and beautiful exchange without fear of the stigma and labeling that all too often comes with men sharing any sort of physical contact.

Whoever you are, and wherever you are, Thank you for giving me one of the best memories of my Phamily life. I can only hope that when and if the boys get back together, you will be there somewhere, to share your kindness with someone else who will appreciate it as much as I did. Look for me...I'll be the one holding the sign that says........"Free Hugs".

- Carrini420

Editor's Note: You gotta love free affection at shows, and it not only comes in the form of hugs, but also in Free Hi-Fives.