What does the word mean to you? When suffering the loss of someone we love, it is often their touch that we may miss the most. Death separates us from the touch of a spouse, a parent, sibling, or a close friend and can exacerbate the pain we feel when we remember how much we miss them. The word itself evokes a variety of emotions, and we know the feeling we get when we find ourselves being touched by someone we love. Each of us needs the caring touch of those we love and in some cases the touch of a stranger simply because another human being shows us compassion.

In Websters, the first definition is the one I find most appropriate; “to bring a bodily part into contact with especially so as to perceive through the tactile sense: handle or feel gently usually with the intent to understand or appreciate.”  A hug that brings a sense of relief, the touch of a hand in a moment of strife that interrupts the anxiety of the moment, the touch of the forehead when being anointed at a time of sickness. Jesus touched when connecting to those He healed not because it was necessary, but because He was human and understood the meaning associated with touching someone’s ears, hand, or mouth. He used the physical when walking among us, to remind us of the importance of human connection. Jesus could have waived His hand and healed those in need of a miracle, but by touching the sick and the afflicted, He showed compassion. There is a sacredness in a touch used to heal.

When we are suffering, it is that human connection, a touch, that gives comfort when everything seems hopeless.  Death is the end of our loved ones’ journey and the beginning of something new. We the living continue and only with the help of others can we navigate the stormy waters of what is often referred to as the new normal. The days following the death of a loved one are more bearable when compassion comes in the form of a touch. One day we will all realize how much we need each other and not be afraid to simply put a hand on someone’s shoulder to let them know we care.

God Bless

Andrej N. Lah