My brother has MS, a neurological disease that has affected him mentally, emotionally and spiritually for the past 8 years. I recently brought him along with me, so he could experience the pleasure of serving the homeless and or poor, as God has taught us (1 John 3:17-18). He was amazed at how kind everyone was. My friends on the street are always kind and considerate and always very thankful. If one was to ask for something that I had run out of, my brother was moved by how they would not get angry, they would just be thankful for the items they did get from me. One thing my brother noted was the touch. He was very impressed with how much physical contact there is with my friends. My brother said "The gift of touch is a great gift. Something I read once was one of the reasons we are here on earth is to touch each other physically as well as Spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. " My brother continued, "I was deeply moved at the reaction of these people when you would hold their shoulder, shake their hand and sometimes you would hug them." he continued "you could see it in their face what this meant to them" This was deep for my brother to say. He was truly moved by this experience.
Welcome back to blogging Brian. Great blog!
Posted by: Alan Graham | October 22, 2008 at 07:35 AM
Great post Brian. Just a hand on the shoulder is huge. Everyone, no matter what their socioeconomic background, could use a hug or a pat on the back.
Posted by: Mary Greening | October 23, 2008 at 10:23 AM
I'm sitting here trying to fight back tears,you are what I wish I could be.
Posted by: produce guy | February 03, 2009 at 09:09 PM