Hugs Sewn in Thread

Uncle Luke and Auntie Emma,

Dressed up for their wedding day.

We came home to share the laughter,

From a whole wide world away.

There were flowers, there were photos,

There was music everywhere.

But between the big occasions,

Were the days we got to share.

Here’s a hug across the ocean,

Here’s a kiss across the sea.

When you wear the shirts we made you,

Hold us close and count to three:

One from Grace and one from Lydia,

One from Emmett, just for you.

Till we’re back there on your doorstep,

Let these hugs keep holding you.

Dad showed us around the harbour,

Where you’d taken him before.

We had chips and we had ice cream,

Watched a seal beside the shore.

Now that place is ours to treasure,

Not just somewhere Daddy knew.

When he tells us of his childhood,

We can see a little too.

Mam and Dad, from me and Jaymie,

Thank you for those days with you.

For the love you’ve always given,

That our children carry too.

Luke and Emma brought us over,

You still make it feel like home.

Now the kids have their own memories,

Not just stories of my own.

When it came to packing cases,

There was one more thing to do:

Make those little hugs on T-shirts,

Leave a bit of us with you.

We would rather stay and hug you,

But until we’re back again,

You can wear them when you miss us— We’ll be hugging you

from them.

Here’s a hug across the ocean,

Here’s a kiss across the sea.

When you wear the shirts we made you,

Hold us close and count to three:

One from Grace and one from Lydia,

One from Emmett, just for you.

Till we’re back there on your doorstep,

Let these hugs keep holding you.

From Australia back to Ireland,

There’s a hug from all of us.

Keep it safe until the next time— Then we’ll squeeze you twice

as much.