I was inspired by a sermon preached last week by our pastor. He talked about the five senses. He finally ended on the sense of touch being different than all the rest of the senses because it is not centered on the head as all of the others are.

The next day this quotation crossed on one of my screens. I am sorry but no name was attached so I cannot give credit. “The seven wonders are: seeing, hearing, touch, taste, freedom, laughing and loving.” This is what really triggered this column. People often ask where I get my ideas. I get them from listening and reading.

One thing we lost during COVID was the sense of touch. We thought others had something that we did not want. We were fearful of all interaction. I said then, and reiterate now, that all of the other diseases we are immune to focus on our exposure. I know there are people who suffered terribly. I know some of them died. I think that was individual reaction to that virus. If you were so inclined you did not survive.

I am certain there are many people who are resistant to the disease at this point, but who wants to take the chance. We hurry to get the vaccines as soon as they are available.

Another thing that separates us is the use of technology. Look at all the people who worked from home. Whole businesses were shut down with people working remotely. The dependence on remote workers led to another separating force.

We did not need to meet to be working together. We could handle things with the computer. I attended several zoom meetings but never felt comfortable. With my terrible computer connection, I was unable to be seen and heard. I had to make a choice. I chose to be heard so I could contribute to the conversation. They really did not need to see me although sometimes seeing a person gives you insight as to what they are thinking.

Yes, that helped with the problem of childcare because the children were not in school either. I question however the quality of the work done at home by some of the workers. They were forced to attend to the needs of the children from time to time. I have photos of mothers holding youngsters while they worked. Since I dealt with children as part of my job, I realize how much attention they take.

Children on portable phones is another separating force. They are texting each other rather than conversing. They are hungry for communication skills. Texts do not always mean the children are writing things out either. There are hundreds of texting abbreviations. I only know a few of them.

We have to consciously expose our children to the art of carrying on a conversation or they will not do it. They text even with someone in the same room!

Touch is one of the very basic senses that is very important. Hospitals admit grandmother type people to come in to hold some of the little ones. I heard a woman on the news tell about the fact that the sense of touch is crucial to development. They not only realize that touch is important, they foster it. It is a proven fact that youngsters develop better when they are cuddled and read to even before they really understand what is being conveyed.

The minster pointed out that many jobs cannot be done without the sense of touch. He neglected teachers. I am sorry but I could not teach kindergarten without touching my students. They are looking for that reassuring sense of touch. Often a light touch will stop a problem from escalating. Touch also serves to reassure students that they are doing all right. It creates a bond with the teacher. I know that teachers are told to be careful. While I can understand that I do not think a light touch hurts anyone.

How often do you touch someone? Really stop and think about it. It is so basic but often it is overlooked. When someone is hurting their first instinct is that sense of physical touch.

They long to be recognized. They long to be assured of their self-worth. All of that can be conveyed by a touch.

In our church we have some huggers. I can count on getting a hug when I go to church. That is fine with me. If you do not want a touch, I am sure you can convey your feelings without hurting someone’s feelings.

Just remember that the sense of touch is part of life. Quit thinking about how dirty someone’s hands might be. I acquired a great immunity through my work. I never knew where those little hands had been, but I never got sick because of a touch.

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, Pa. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.