We always hear about “the power of touch,” but how often do we really focus on making it an integral part of our lives? We shake hands every day, give hugs frequently, but do we allow ourselves to be drawn into the meaning of simple human touch? I challenged myself to think back to profound moments in my life when touch spoke more than words could ever say. Because I touch people on a daily basis in my personal life and through my own career, this was tough – but two moments delved forward to make themselves known again in my mind.
1. The little boy
I had an opportunity one day to care for a little man who had gone through more suffering in his short years than I ever considered possible. His history was heartbreaking; not only did he face a life with facial deformities and other medical issues, but he was in and out of his home due to neglect. He was silent on the day I cared for him, thanks to a tracheostomy with “blow-by” oxygenation (the ventilation tube wasn’t connected to his trach because of the secretions expelled due to pneumonia).
I poked my head around the corner and my eyes met enormous, cautious brown globes. He was unsure of me, and I could understand this; he’d had so many strangers come into his life over the years – how could he develop trust with anyone easily? Over the course of the morning, those same eyes soon crinkled in quiet, raspy laughter as he tossed his crayons out the doorway. The brown eyes became liquid as they filled with tears when I had to suction his tiny airway. Finally, they closed with sadness as I hugged him goodbye for the day, feeling the heat of his little body through the yellow isolation gown I was forced to wear.
That one desperate, clutching embrace has stayed with me.
2. My grandmother
My grandmother was my best friend. In the end, she brought me to nursing because of her hospice nurses – they changed everything. I was so inspired by their selfless love that I changed my major almost immediately. To be close to someone as they transition into the next plane is something very special, and to be there with my beloved grandmother as she died is something I will always be grateful for. Today will be the first day I will work as a Registered Nurse; I didn’t plan it that way, but it’s fitting. The photo below was taken right before my grandmother passed away.
So…
I encourage each of you to think of instances in your life when touch has positively affected you or the other person. Did a handshake make the other person smile? Did a comforting hand on a shoulder help to heal someone’s grief? Did a stranger guide you carefully over a bump in the road with a gentle hand on the small of your back?
I would love to hear your experiences. Share the power of touch with us!
xo
Corinne
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This post was inspired by one of Corinne’s words: Discovery. The emotions felt during positive human touch aid in cementing our Selves a little more, and discovering who we can be.
Beautiful!
Thank you kindly, Susan!
Corinne recently posted..Scenic Sunday – The Buoy
What beautiful moments! One of my favorite memories regarding touch was one I received. I was having a particularly difficult day and one of my little ones came and wrapped their tiny arms around my neck. It made so many things better.
Stacey recently posted..Gift-giving 101
That made me smile, Stacey. I am so very glad you received the innocent love through little arms – that is truly a blessing.
Corinne recently posted..Scenic Sunday – The Buoy
I have been a critical care nurse for almost 20 years and have recently begun my teaching career. I always impart the message to my students to never, ever minimize the important of touch to their patients. Sometimes holding a hand during a difficult line insertion works much better than any sedative I can give.
Conni, thank you for several things… First, thank you for teaching. I had some marvelous teachers throughout nursing school that taught so much more than NG tubes and colostomy bags. They taught how to truly care for the patient in all levels.
Second, thank you for dedicating your years to nursing, and in a difficult specialty. Third, thank you for sharing your passion and heartfelt knowledge of this subject.
Corinne recently posted..Scenic Sunday – The Buoy
This is really nice Corinne. The power of touch is amazing! The one instance that jumped to mind was my first day at Officer Training School. The first few days they do their best to frazzle you and mess you up, so they had us running from place to place. So Day One we had to get all sorts of things done, including getting all of our uniforms and supplies. It was a long, tiring day. After we had all of our gear loaded into our big green military “C” bags, we had to line up and double time it (ie basically run in our two lines) back to our barracks. I am a little girl. 5’3″ when I’m stretching. And I was huffing it. I was doing ok, but I will never forget when the guy behind me put his hand under the bottom of my rucksack to relieve some of the weight on my back. We had just met that day. We were all apprehensive, a little scared, very tired. It was SO reassuring. I have told this story in the past and been asked “Didn’t you think he was being sexist?” No, he was being a gentleman. Ooh, I think I’m going to use this story for my next write up on Support!
In short, yes, touch is crucial to bonding I believe. And it can make all the difference in your day!
Alexa recently posted..9 Things I Learned Through Completing a Detox/Cleanse
As a former Reservist myself, I LOVE your story (and totally think you should write about it.) We had a lot of guys in our division who were very supportive of the gals – while we were able to “do our own thing”, we’d often get a helping hand from one of the guys nearby. Usually it was without a word, just a quiet hand reaching out to help.
Corinne recently posted..Scenic Sunday – The Buoy
I think this is just so lovely. It made me stop and think.
Robin recently posted..Chasing Intention
Thank you, Robin.
Touch makes me stop and think many times. Just yesterday, I cared for a young woman who exuded sadness. One grasp of the hand, and I could almost see renewed comfort. It’s soooooo beautiful.
Corinne recently posted..Scenic Sunday – The Buoy
Corinne thank you for sharing this beautiful piece. Touching. I also know the power of touch first hand, it inspired me to write a poem I entitled “The Room.” I really believe touch was one of the many wonderful reasons we were given two hands.
You’re so welcome, Kimberley. I would love to read your poem sometime soon (perhaps over lunch?
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Corinne recently posted..Scenic Sunday – The Allegheny River
I LOVE the name of this Blog! It resonates!
I Love the style!
I LOVE this post about Touch …
Beautiful … Thank you!
Warm regards
Collette
Wow, thank you, Collette! I will pass along your compliments to the rest of the staff!
Corinne recently posted..Scenic Sunday – The Allegheny River
I can’t remember exactly when it happened, but I became a “hugger” ‘ family, friends, co-workers… I’ll hug you. Often randomly. Not surprisingly, I get a little resistance sometimes, but then, like magic, I get that hug back. Best feeling.
Tara R. recently posted..Bay Bluff
I’m totally a hugger. There are times when a simple hug can really fix everything wrong in that moment. I am so happy to hear that you share that bit of yourself with others, and that others share it with you.
Corinne recently posted..Scenic Sunday – The Allegheny River
These were heart touching stories. My daughter settled in calmly after I began rubbing her back the other day. My youngest son can be calmed with a hug or a stroke to his cheek. My older boys respond softly when I stroke their arm. There is definitely power in touch!
SAM recently posted..The Elven Games 10
I had goosebumps reading this, SAM! Children are incredibly receptive and giving of touch. It’s amazing to watch.
Yesterday at work, I watched a little girl touch her mom’s cheek, and we all about melted right into the floor.
Corinne recently posted..Scenic Sunday – The Allegheny River
[...] Corinne wrote about the power of touch and support in our lives. As I reflected on the power of touch in my life, instantly the memory of [...]