Held in Tiny Arms with Endless, Unfiltered Love
Children have a remarkable way of expressing emotions in their purest form—no filters, no hesitation, just honesty. When a child says “I miss you” or “I love you,” it carries a depth that adults often struggle to express.
I have witnessed these many times among the children at church and within my close circle of friends. Their emotions are raw, genuine, and profoundly human. One moment on Sunday, 14 December 2025, reminded me of this in a way I will never forget.
After not seeing Baby Ruth for almost two months, I attended church that Sunday. After the service, as I greeted others, I noticed she was being carried by some of the older girls. When she saw me, she immediately pointed in my direction and began struggling to be let down, clearly determined to reach me.
I rushed toward her, picked her up, and gave her a big hug. She held on tightly and softly whispered, “Uncle Des, I miss you.” In that instant, her face reflected both joy and a quiet sadness. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply children feel connection and absence.
For nearly an hour, she refused to let go. I carried her around, played games, and shared laughter with other church members, all while she stayed close. When her daddy finally said it was time to go home, I carried her to their car and gently handed her over to her mummy.
That simple moment carried a profound lesson. Children do not complicate love. They feel it fully, express it honestly, and give it freely. In a world where emotions are often guarded, children remind us of the beauty of sincerity.
Perhaps we, as adults, can learn from them—to say “I miss you” when we feel it, to express love without fear, and to cherish connection while we still can.
Uncle Des and Baby Ruth at NSPL HQ, 8 Mile, POM 2024.
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