ONE TOUCH

One Touch Can Make All the Difference

Our first child was premature.  When the nurses introduced me to her, I couldn't believe how tiny she was.  An overwhelming desire to protect this new, totally dependent person that had come into our lives consumed me.

The pediatrician explained that she was seriously ill and needed some tests to evaluate her condition.  There it was.  I am in a situation so new to me back-to-back issues gripped me that I had no control of.  A new born and the illness of someone I wanted to help.  She couldn't even tell daddy what was wrong.  So I would visit her continuously. Because of my work schedule full & part-time, the nurses would sneak me in after visiting hours into the nursery dunned in a funny yellow jacket & mask.  I would slide my hand (one hand practically covered her entire body) into the incubator to touch her.

With the watchful eyes of the nurses later told me that her recovery was expedited from the stimuli - the power of the scense of touch.   My little girl would squirm, flinch, or awaken in response to a gentle touch.  Sometimes, I would adjust the cap on her head or a sock just for the excuse to touch her; "everything is going to be alright."  "Daddy's here."

Chaplin Greg Popcock and I met for the first time since November 3, 2010 just before they wheel me off to surgery for the heart transplant.  He came into my room early that November morning and laid his hand on my forehead in prayer for me and with my wife who was by my side.  I squirmed in awareness of the presence of God and the change of atmosphere in the room; I awoke after surgery to my family who anticipated a response from me when hearing their voices; I continue to crave knowledge of Him and how I can impact the lives of others.  When Chaplin Popcock and I met the end of February, 2012, we realized that we are men with a testimony and one touch can make all the difference.

To your health,
~Coach Chip

February is Heart Awareness Month, but being heart healthy is important everyday.