National Hand Holding Day
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It was a very painful, emotional experience but I wanted him to know that I was there and so I held his hand and talked to him during those last few hours.
It is said that touch causes a release of oxytocin which is one of those intimacy chemicals. The act has been the subject of study and it is said that the holding of hands relieves stress. None of that really mattered to me at the time. I was absolutely stunned by profound and protracted grief for a lengthy period at that time. Grief is said to be love's inability to let go. I grapple with those memories to this day.
My intention was to project a sense of value for him and to offer him my affection, some level of protection from the harsh reality of what he was experiencing, and at least try to give him some comfort in knowing he wasn't alone — that we were there with him and we cared.
I wish I could say that I have a lot of experience holding hands but that would be untruthful. I have held hands at various times over the years but all of those times are overshadowed by my last experience which were those final moments with daddy.
So on this National Hand Holding Day I hope you can hold the hand of someone for whom you care and take note of those benefits it affords to those who participate.