We can't live without it.
Our first touch is from our mother while in the womb, we feel her caress when she rubs her belly, swelling with our growth, loving us beyond belief, finally she holds us in her arms.
We grow up with touch, from our family and our friends. We learn relationships, we have ups and downs, we cry... we need hugs, we laugh... sometimes we need hugs.
Touch can reach right into the depths of our being and take hold, once again helping us to feel whole, possibly filling a space that has been empty for a while. Giving us courage that we didn't know we had.
I recently went to see my friend Marli. The first thing I did was take her hand into mine and squeeze. I remember how delicate and pale and warm it was. I looked into her blue eyes so I would see her and she could see me, the touch not going unnoticed by either of us, more powerful than words, not needing more attention than that.
We spoke for a little while, a smile had changed the tone of our conversation for the briefest moment of time and then it was time for me to leave.
I didn't want to go.
There were unspoken words in that room and my heart was breaking. I wrapped my arms around her, cradling her head in the palm of my hand, holding on a little longer this time as I whispered.
"I will see you later"
I didn't want to let go, and that turned out to be one of the hardest things I have had to do in my life.
I felt her squeeze me a little tighter at that moment. I looked into her brilliant blue eyes one last time and without a word I was gone.
I will never look into those eyes again, nor hold that hand. My friend passed away only a few short hours later. I will miss her dearly. But I will always remember those moments between her and I, when no words were needed.
Hugs,
S
