Cub's Hugs

Jacob “Cub” Grover

October 6, 2005 – December 15, 2013

As we remember and honor our son, “Cub,” we marvel at his ability to love unconditionally.  He truly loved EVERYONE!  One of the ways in which he showed this love was in the constant giving of hugs.  When we talk to others about Jacob, they always comment on how much they loved and miss his hugs. 

The following remarks were made by Jacob’s mother at his funeral:

“Most everyone who knows Jacob has been the recipient of many hugs and kisses. Every time our doorbell would ring, our visitor would be welcomed to our home with a hug from Jacob. Visitors were often people that Jacob did not know personally. Some were his siblings’ friends, some were friends from church and others were working for UPS, simply delivering mail to our home. It didn’t matter that Jacob didn’t know the UPS man; the UPS man was given a tender embrace before he was sent on his way after delivering a package.

Jacob did not take his love for his family members for granted. Every time I walked through the garage door into the house, Jacob ran to me and threw his arms around my legs yelling “mom!” Sometimes, I had only walked out to empty the garbage or get the mail. But Jacob saw that two minute separation, followed by reunion, as something to be celebrated and appreciated.

Whenever Jacob saw James and I hugging, he would run over and throw his arms up to us. James and I would reach down and grab his arms and lift him up to us so that we could all share in a group hug. He just couldn’t stand seeing other people give love and he not be a part of it.”

We want to celebrate the life of our son by sharing the love that he taught us to freely give.  We wanted to share something that would represent a “hug”—something safe and warm that could be used over and over to remind the receiver that they are loved.  We thought back to the blankets that we received from loved ones at the time of Jacob’s passing.  These blankets helped to give us security during a time when everything seemed so uncertain.  They kept us warm when the weather outside resembled the cold empty feeling that we felt inside.  The bright colors lifted our spirits and soft fabric reminded us of our cuddly Cub.  Most of all, these blankets covered us in the love of friends.  Blankets seem like the perfect way to share Cubby’s legacy of love.  We will call these blankets “Cub Hugs.”

If you would like to help us celebrate Jacob’s life and his legacy of love, we invite you to share “Cub Hugs.”  Find someone who needs to be reminded that they are loved and thought about.  Give them a blanket with a “Cub Hug” tag attached and, if possible, give them a hug when delivering your blanket to them.  Thank you for remembering our Jacob and helping us to celebrate our loving little Cub!

You can view and print out a Cub Hug tag by clicking here.

Have you received a Cub Hug?  If you would like to upload a picture of your Cub Hug, you can do so at: www.facebook.com/CubsHugs.

 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)