Touch seems to be as essential as sunlight. Touch cells in the lips
make nursing possible, clutch mechanisms in the hands begin to reach out for
warmth. Among other things, touch teaches us the difference between I and
other, that there can be someone outside of ourselves, the mother. The first
emotional comfort, touching and being touched by our mother, remains the
ultimate memory of selfless love, which stays with us life long.
One of the greatest feelings in the world is when an infant
who is exploring his or her sense of touch, latches on to your finger and will
not let go. It’s the letting go that is the hard part. I always want those
moments to last longer. It reminds me of innocence, of love, affection, and all
things new in the world.