Touched
This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Spazito (a host of the Editorials & Other Articles forum).
TOUCHED
By Al Garcia
A physical sensation, an appreciation, or simply a state of mind. Touch defines our human existence with every sense that we possess and even some we don’t even understand.
We can feel the texture and the outline of all that lives and breathes, and all that stands before or behind, above or below. We can perceive or feel that which has no outline or no form or soul. We can even take a touch of criticism or sarcasm, or we can get a touch of the flu or completely lose touch with someone you knew.
We can appreciate the touch of others as we view their creativeness or resourcefulness and commend them for having that “special touch.” We can even thank someone for “touching” on a subject or an issue that no one wanted to bring up or talk about.
But of all the touching and in all its forms, appearances or structures, the touch I will always preserve, hold and cherish most are the times during war, when a buddy would simply touch my arm, tap me on my back, place his arm on my shoulder or my back as a buddy often would, or when a buddy or a stranger in some remote and isolated post just shook my hand to say hello or goodbye. For it was during these unexpected and reassuring touching that we felt the warmth and comfort of knowing we were not alone.
And even now, when I feel alone, I recall my days of long ago, when a simple friendly touch on the shoulder, on the back, or even an ordinary handshake, could make me feel alive again.
= new reply since forum marked as read
The idea of the value of "the touch" goes into the differences of cultures.
I came from a family that had mixed views on "touch." One one side, it was common - accepted - expected!
On the other - just wasn't their thing - quite 'stoic' - nobody really knew what you were thinking/feeling - you were just expected to be in your own 'realm.'
I was more inclined to learn from the "touch" side (NO! Do NOT take it THAT way!!!). My heritage/background developed me into my adulthood and left me with conflicted 'issues' regarding relationships. Got married and we had a difference in the "touch/emotions/relationship" thing that I never fully realized until my 1st wife opted for a divorce.
Quite the shocker!
My next wife was quite the instructor - and helped me to realize where I had been and where I wanted/needed to go. A SERIOUS change in perception/understanding of relationships made our relationship/marriage very, very wonderful.
It also changed how I viewed the world - and dealt with people overall. I was comfortable in where I was in my life and loved working with people in my career. As a 'public servant' I had to deal with 'employees' and 'community' daily - and truly enjoyed it (perhaps 'enjoying' the challenges more than the actual 'experiences' at times!).
As I worked my way up the 'career' ladder I had a chance to leave one community and move back to my own 'home' area. When I had my 'final reviews' with my workers, one shocked me with this comment: "You 'touch' people."
I was floored!
First - I never realized it! And perhaps even more shocking - others had!
This 'post' is SO significant - it shares the value of caring - and a TRUE show of how different things are now in our country. Think of the contrasts that have already presented themselves over the past months since January 20.
People CARE - DEMOCRATS care - and that's a good thing and something that should make us proud.
