‘The Hug Lady’ Disappears After Giving Returning Soldiers Hugs For Over 12 Years, Then Soldiers Learn The Sad Truth

Jan 21, 2019 by apost team

Elizabeth Laird was a beacon of gratitude and love for many soldiers returning to the airport at Fort Hood. Whether they were deploying or coming home, the 83-year-old was always there.

She understood how important hugs were to these brave men and women. No matter the size of the gesture, she knew that it made a difference to these soldiers. She wanted to show them how grateful she was for their service and sacrifice. It was nothing for her to set aside some time from her day to make sure they felt appreciated. Her dedication brought happiness, love, and warmth with it.

Those are sorely lacking in a soldier's mind as they return home. They're used to playing tough. Elizabeth's hugs gave comfort to those who were heading out. I'm sure their nerves were soothed by her attention and comfort. She did this for 12 years. People estimate that she has hugged over 500,000 brave service men and women.

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She was known as the hug lady, and people knew that they could rely on her to be a force of love in a scary world. One day, she just stopped coming. This left many soldiers and their families wondering why. This wasn't like her. No matter what, she was always there. Nothing ever stopped her. It turns out that she was in the hospital. She had been fighting her own battle against breast cancer for over a decade.

Her comrades decided to fight the battle with her. They started to come and see her. Before she knew it, they were giving her the hugs she so desperately needed. Finally, they were able to repay her for her undying support over the past 12 years. Staff Sergeant Jarvez Wilkes was interviewed recently. He explained how it was his honor to show her some love because she has done the same for him plenty of times.

Elizabeth was deeply touched by these loving gestures. They had a positive impact on her health and state of mind. Richard Dewees is her son. He says that the immeasurable amount of support helped improve her spirits. 

Overall, people across the country have given around 95,000 dollars to her GoFundMe page. Hopefully, this will help with her high medical bills. However, life catches up, and Elizabeth passed away during late 2015. It was a peaceful passing. She was surrounded by people who loved her.

She was a courageous and loving woman. Thanks to the soldiers' outreach and support, she passed away with happiness in her heart. It's difficult to not admire her for everything she has done. She dedicated vast amounts of time and energy to make sure those men and women felt loved. If you can, help a soldier in need today. Do it for Elizabeth.

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