"There waits a deep and simple pulse that
we need from each other in order to be whole."
Mark Nepo
As Director of the Foster Grandparent Program, I made a point to rotate around the large tables, resting my hands on the shoulders of these seniors. The majority of them lived alone without family connections. As I gently touched each individual, his or her spirit would react to the touch.
Deliberately, I would maintain one on one eye contact. My attempts were to make each human feel connected and recognized. Liberal praise was given to them for the exchanges they made with young school children. In these classrooms, the senior would experience love and attention.
Our society is very mobile. Family members can be strewn across states or even countries. Church or community potlucks and Sunday family gatherings have decreased with time. Holidays are altered to a day when all can be present. We tend to gather hugs where we may as career exchanges dwindle, and neighbors move away. Where does one find physical exchange? I find it by holding the hands of my grandchildren, encouraging hugs with them, and cuddling when I can.
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