Hello ,
No more convincing evidence of the absence of parental affection exists than that compiled by Rene Spitz. In a South American orphanage, Spitz observed and recorded what happened to 97 children who were deprived of emotional and physical contact with others.
Because of a lack of funds, there was not enough staff
to adequately care for these children, ages 3 months to 3 years old. Nurses changed diapers and fed and bathed the children. But there was little time to hold, cuddle, and talk to them as a mother would. After three months many of them showed signs of abnormality.
Besides a loss of appetite and being unable to sleep well, many of the children lay with a vacant expression in their eyes. After five months, serious deterioration set in. They lay whimpering, with troubled and twisted faces. Often, when a doctor or nurse
would pick up an infant, it would scream in terror.
Twenty seven, almost one third, of the children died the first year, but not from lack of food or health care. They died of a lack of touch and emotional nurture. Because of this, seven more died the second year. Only twenty one of the 97 survived, most suffering serious psychological damage.
Human touch can be such an incredible and healing power for good. I recall being in a hospital emergency room, suited up in that ridiculous gown, fearful of what had caused me such pain and suffering earlier in the
evening. The attending physician sat down by my bed and put his hand on my forearm. He smiled and spoke words of encouragement to me in an unhurried manner. I instantly began to calm down.
Jesus often touched people with that healing touch. No wonder He drew such huge crowds. People don't care how much we know, until they know how much we care!
Have a great day and God bless!
