Leo - one last " HUG "

 I was saddened to read  " Dr. Hug " , Leo Buscaglia 's obituary

    in the morning paper. I have read a few of his " love " books and have

    seen a few of his videos.

       My  " uncle " , Mike Pocino of Pascoag, R.I , died this week at the

    same age, 74, as Buscaglia. He never took " Love 101 " but never needed

    the course. This warm hearted, hugging Italian, left behind not less

    than 36 god-children. That makes him around here- in the true sense of

    the title- the Godfather of all Godfathers.

        Buscaglia could get away with his Loving & Hugging sermons because

    he was an  Italian for whom it all came naturally. Most writers of this

    type come across as rather sappy and insincere or manipulate. ( " I love

    you so much that I just know you'll want to do things My Way ! " )

        Buscaglia was good anti-dote to certain kinds of sexual abuse

    hysteria. I could only laugh at those silly teachers subjecting kids

    to those ridiculous " good touch, bad touch " lectures.

       I have read competent psychologists who point that kids especially

    can wither away spiritually if they are never hugged and kissed and

    " good-touched ". ( edit: " manipulative "..." point out " )

        These kids who crack up in a headline making way- how often were

    they hugged and kissed by the adults in their lives ?

       One last " hug " for Leo !