The Power of a Simple Touch

Published

Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

THE POWER OF A TOUCH

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11,

NIV).

The word encourage simply means to put courage into

another--something we all need to receive regularly.

Years ago--I was little more than a kid--one of the men in

our church squeezed my arm affectionately and spoke a kind

word as I passed by him.

I've never forgotten that tiny touch which to me was a big

encouragement. Some years later I recall how in my

beginning days of ministry after speaking to a youth group

one of the members in attendance said to me, "Thank you for

being God's messenger to me today." I've never forgotten

her words and those of many others along the way either.

(Sadly, though, a cutting word can have the opposite

long-term effect.)

Encouragement. So easy to give, costs nothing, and worth

its weight in gold.

As Leo Buscaglia said,"The majority of us lead quiet,

unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will

most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments

created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible

impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone

just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our

compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a

happier life merely because we took the time to share what

we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a

touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest

compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which

have a potential to turn a life around. It's overwhelming

to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make

our love felt."

Up Vote Up Vote ×

so, so true fran. never underestimate the power of touch. sometimes it's the most therapeutic intervention we can apply.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geri and adult psych, hospice.

Fran, I definately agree! I actually felt the power that my touch and care held today. I was in clinical giving total care to a 100 yr. old aphasic woman on a gastric tube who I was told by the staff has been that way for many years and ONCE in a blue moon will smile but never says a word. Well, I don't know exactly what I did to stimulate her today, but she actually tried to talk!! Sound came out of her mouth like she was trying to tell me something, and she was laughing and smiling! My instructer who works at the clinical site had to call some other staff members over, she was in such shock. I don't know if I should take the credit, but I do have a feeling it was maybe because I stroked her hand and head, and took the time to talk to her just like she was a normal, healthy person and complementing her beautiful blue eyes.

Anyway, I totally know what you mean about touch. You can just see the patient's comfort and peace in their eyes when you give a back massage, wash their hair, or simply stroke their cheek. Louisepug

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
Fran, I definately agree! I actually felt the power that my touch and care held today. I was in clinical giving total care to a 100 yr. old aphasic woman on a gastric tube who I was told by the staff has been that way for many years and ONCE in a blue moon will smile but never says a word. Well, I don't know exactly what I did to stimulate her today, but she actually tried to talk!! Sound came out of her mouth like she was trying to tell me something, and she was laughing and smiling! My instructer who works at the clinical site had to call some other staff members over, she was in such shock. I don't know if I should take the credit, but I do have a feeling it was maybe because I stroked her hand and head, and took the time to talk to her just like she was a normal, healthy person and complementing her beautiful blue eyes.

Anyway, I totally know what you mean about touch. You can just see the patient's comfort and peace in their eyes when you give a back massage, wash their hair, or simply stroke their cheek. Louisepug

The credit definitely belongs to you girl. What a wonderful way to have added to the quality of that little old lady's life today. She will never forget you, and keep on doing what you're doing sweetie, because that my friend is real nursing. God bless you. :kiss

Fran :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So very true...we have the power to encourage or discourage one another in our day to day lives. We have the power to provide a warm greeting and helpful presence, or a sour look and ugly retort...to our coworkers as well as our patients. Thanks for the reminder Fran...and hope you are feeling better today.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

I'm down with anything Leo has suggested.

What a personality he was!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
So very true...we have the power to encourage or discourage one another in our day to day lives. We have the power to provide a warm greeting and helpful presence, or a sour look and ugly retort...to our coworkers as well as our patients. Thanks for the reminder Fran...and hope you are feeling better today.

Thanks, MM. I am feeling better today.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I loved this posting! I am about to graduate this spring and with all the hustle and bustle around me it was nice to be reminded how simple yet how empowering a touch or a look can be for a patient. How refreshing :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you Fran, soooo true!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion