Me and Brian

My heart is so heavy this morning...I'm feeling like shouting "ENOUGH!"  Sunday afternoon was our weekly gathering over at Brian and Kelsi's neighbors (gathering spread out on the drive way)  My daughter in law, Kelsi had sent a text earlier in the day asking if we could come early for some private family time.  My response to her was "yes, and I want to give and receive hugs" I didn't know at the time that God was preparing my heart.  Up until then I had been keeping my distance, even with my family - the four of them, just blowing them kisses and hugs.  NO MORE!!!  As I walked up their walkway my son, Brian came out moving toward me quickly and took hold of me and wept and wept and wept as he hugged me.  I talked "mother comforting words" over him and held on tightly for as long as he needed.  This morning Kelsi sent a thank you text saying in all the years of marriage, she has never seen Brian so broken.  It turns out that on Saturday, their neighbor directly across the street collapsed on his walkway and died of a heart attack.  Brian and Kelsi were with him when the paramedics arrived.  The man lived alone and died alone, except for his two dogs that wouldn't leave his side until Brian and Kelsi took them so he could be attended by the paramedics.  Brian wrote on his social media page that we don't know when a touch from a loved one will be the last.  I am so deeply concerned for Brian.  He has been struggling deeply with the closure of his business and isolation.  Yesterday when I was talking to him privately he said, the current situation in America is constantly on his mind.

Brian wrote on Facebook:

Who thinks touch is healing? How many miracles did Jesus perform by touch? In fact, Jesus had a woman touch his clothes to try and get healed.
This makes me reflect on what I experienced yesterday with my neighbor dying. It really shook me up. My parents came over today and the first thing I did, after 7 weeks of distance, was hug my mom and I broke down. Why? For me and my mom it was healing. Who knows, this could be the last time we ever get this opportunity? Do we let that opportunity pass?
For those that know me I used to cut hair. I'll never forget the message given in cosmetology school. You are getting a license to touch people. How many hair stylists out there also double as a therapist? We have a unique opportunity to be a part of the healing process for many.
Why do I bring this up? Keep this in mind. This is not meant to be political. Regardless of motive, we are being desensitized. We are told to stay inside. We are told to keep our distance. We are told not to touch. We are told to cover our face. We are told to stay away from parents and grandparents. We are not allowed to fellowship in our churches or communities. Our salons and spas are closed. The is no more touch.
What is this doing to us inside? What is this doing to our families and the ones we love?
Another neighbor of mine who also lives by herself is scared beyond belief about this virus. She has definitely kept her distance. After the passing of our neighbor the first thing she asks of my wife is what, a hug! Why? Is it healing? Is it comforting? Is that what community and family is all about?
So again, is touch healing?