I Want A Mom

The "I Asked My Butcher For A Hug" Edition

Hey there.

Heads up - another hard read.

Kay, thanks.

Every month I buy one slice of honey maple turkey to give my pup Nico his meds. The butcher is a beautiful, older Black woman who wears a fresh flower on the side of her hat.

Yesterday I went to the store hoping to see her - she was there.

I was nervous. It took me a while to gather up the courage. By the time I walked over, the pint of ice cream I was holding had melted.

My voice was shaking as I rambled out the words. “I know you don’t know me but every time I come here you’re always so nice and I’m having the worst day and I don’t have people and I feel really awkward asking but can you spare a hug?”

She didn’t say anything.

She took off her gloves, walked around the counter and put her arms around me.

“Oh baby, what happened?”

I sobbed until I couldn’t catch my breath.

She pulled me in closer as I cried.

What had happened was…

Earlier that day I self-injured.

I knew it was about to happen. I’ve tried so damn hard to ignore the vo…