“Call it what you want (laughs), it’s grand parenting!” said Rev. Lewis Macklin There's also the sense of security a hug brings. “A hug really does give a sense of security, love, affirmation and it also says, ‘We’re OK,'" Macklin said. But many of us have not been OK throughout the coronavirus pandemic because hugging is not a form of social distancing. Rev. Lewis and Dorothy Macklin say that one-on-one time is critical. “I’m really hopeful that the worst is behind us, because that contact is so important," Macklin said. We all know the best is yet to come, so until then take a virtual hug. You can also send words of encouragement or hit that love button on Facebook instead of that thumbs up. It might not be as good as a real hug, but it definitely shows you care.