I spent Christmas,1968, with Ed’s family in Ashland, Ohio. What a surprise I had at my first meeting with his family! First, came a customary introduction. Then these people, still strangers, came at me with open arms ready to hug and lips, puckered, ready to kiss!

That was not the way my Portland family greeted a newcomer. A handshake and a “Hi” or “Glad to meet you” was the extent of its greeting. No arms nor lips were part of it.  

Having grown up with this reserved manner of greeting, I felt uncomfortable with the Highmans’ demonstrative behavior. It reminded me of Ozzie and Harriet, Donna Reed, and Leave It to Beaver. I liked it, but it was years before I could ever muster a hug and kiss at the first meeting.

Thirty-five years later, I met the Dodge family. It blended the Portland reserve and the Ashland effusion. The newcomer might get a hug or maybe a handshake. Always they feel welcome because, regardless of family, the universal sign of welcome is part of the initial meeting—the smile!

Certainly, this form of greeting is the easiest for me to manage. Hug me, kiss me, or shake my hand. I may return the gesture. But you can be assured of my smile.