FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — The close bond cousins Hucky Collins, 8, and Rozzie Arnett, 10, share is similar to one of siblings, according to their parents.
"They're more like brother and sister," said Amber Collins, Hucky's mom.
The pair have grown up together and spend most of their time together. However, the families have decided to social distance because of the global pandemic, meaning Hucky and Rozzie could see each other from a distance, but not touch.
"This has been the hardest three months of my life," said Rozzie.
After months of begging to hug, Collins said she and her sister finally decided to expand their social circle and allow the cousins to begin playing together again. To commemorate the moment, Collins said she chose to record Hucky and Rozzie's first hug. However, they never expected tears to flow.
"When I heard the first boo-hoo from Hucky, oh my gosh, there were four adults standing in our downtown just crying," said Collins. "We did not expect them to react that way at all, but it was so heartwarming."
The video has been shared more than 6,000 times and received more than 500,000 views on social media. In it, you can hear the hard thud when the two embrace tightly and quickly start hearing them bawling.
Social distancing was taking a toll on the kids' mental health, according to Collins. She said Hucky would sometimes go to his room and not talk to anyone.
"I didn't think that that could be stemming from him not being in his normal cause his normal is with Rozzie every day."
"I've missed touching people and hugging people and high fiving my friends when we get something right or win," said Hucky.
"I just want people to know that it's going to be okay and that you're going to get to be back with your friends and family again. We just need to get through this together," said Rozzie.
Collins said she's thankful she thought to record the moment and share it online.
"It's going to be something we watch for years to come and remember this time and how blessed we are that they have each other," she said. "The world needed some love, and I think they provided it."
