Hugging the Un-huggable

This is Ubaldino. He is suffering from psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes sores all over his body, and swelling and arthritic symptoms in his joints. So great is his skin problem that scar tissue has deformed his hands. His entire body is covered in painful, itchy sores. He is extremely poor, has been cast out by his parents, and is unable to work.

He just turned 20.

The first time I saw Ubaldino, he was walking down the street, arms wrapped around his chest as if to protect himself. I am sure he must feel as if he is an outcast of society. The second time I saw him, I chatted with him and he shared a little of his story. I laid my hand on his shoulder to pray for him and he warmed at my touch.

Yesterday when I saw him (it's been months now of connecting) he ran across the street yelling "mommy! and threw his arms around my neck.

Such a sweet, gentle boy.

He'd been to a hospital 4 hours away and received an injection (I am guessing steroids) and was feeling much stronger. He energy was up, and he had a big smile on his face as he described how he was feeling.

But he didn't have anything to eat.

So we went shopping :-)

A huge bag of rice, potatoes, canned sardines and tuna, eggs, oatmeal, corn meal, lentils, fresh chicken, soap, toothpaste...he made really wise choices as to what to put in his basket.

We had to get help for him to carry everything home.

We can make a difference. And as much as shopping provides much needed food for this little guy's belly, it's the hugs that bring hope and healing.

~Pushing out of the comfort zone
laura

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