LIVEALITTLE

Last time I saw mom was December 2005. That's almost exactly 3 years ago. So how appropriate it was for me to catch up with mom while she was in Hong Kong. There wasn't much communication between the female Chungs, but it was a comfort to just be around mom again. My goal for the trip was to give mom a hug. The unaffectionate traditional Chinese sadly don't typically flower their children with hugs, kisses nor even positive encouragement of any kind. One thing I HAVE learned in Australia is the power of affection and touch. Just laying a kind hand on a patient's back can easily encourage and reaffirm their will to walk/stand.
Attempt #1 was a total failure. Upon exiting the arrivals gate and seeing mom, I put my left hand on mom's right shoulder initiating the hug process. Probably sensing I was to embark on something never ever done before, mom pivoted and turned left to quickly break out of the hug sequence. For the four days in Hong Kong, she never gave me another hug opportunity.
So, I knew I had to do something as mom ushered me to Customs in my last 2 hours at Hong Kong airport for fear I may miss my flight. As I turned to mom to bid my good-bye, I openned my arms and quickly wrapped mom into a bear hug she could not avoid. It felt nice and I was relieved.

I'm probably too old to make this announcement, but "I hugged my mom and she hugged me back!".
Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/livealittle/sets/72157611868367979/