Living, Loving and Learning
I first received the hardcover in the summer of 1982 as a going-away present from a dear,dear friend who knew how much I'd enjoyed Buscaglia's work, having read some of his earlierbooks and seen his appearances on public television. It was quite the sentimental token totake along as I embarked on what turned out to be a three-year adventure in Italy. A lot ofmy first year there was very lonely, and Buscaglia's warm, soothing words were a comfortto me in my most homesick times and gave me hope. More than merely a gift from agood friend, the book itself became a friend that I could turn to again and again.Weeks after returning to the States, in December 1985, I attended a performance of LilyTomlin's Broadway show, and during the intermission, I noticed a man who could only havebeen Leo Buscaglia chatting animatedly with a woman a few rows ahead. My heart raced; mymind debated. After all, wasn't he there to enjoy himself as much as I was? Yet I had to meetthe man whose work had touched me so. I mustered all my courage and approached him. "I'msorry to interrupt, but are you Leo Buscaglia?" He smiled warmly as he nodded. I blanked onwhat to say next. Finally, thinking of what I considered to be his trademark, I blurted,"Could I have a hug?" It was a magical moment. The man was so loving and genuine that I knew I'd done the right thing in going up to him--plus, it was the most heartfelt hug I've ever received in my life. That really cemented the book's meaning for me.Laurie Kahn, Associate Managing Editor--This text refers to thePaperbackedition.