Introduction

Welcome to the debut issue of Touch: The Journal of Healing.

Growth, struggle, loss, and recovery are all part of human life, and they bring with them opportunities to touch others, widen our perspective, and extend and receive forgiveness and compassion.  Such are the stories and poems in our journal which convey real struggle and triumph, colored in thoughtful words, and shared with courage.  These are tales of loss and of discovery; of newfound hope and deeper maturity.  They invite you to open to a wider experience of this world we share and to question and delve into life and love and recovery from its struggles.

We thank all those who contributed to this effort.  With over 100 submissions, there were many pieces we wish we could have included.  The resulting ensemble of poetry, prose, and pictures explores life's journey with its spectrum of emotions and reminds us that we are not alone.  The wonder of the writing craft is that it can transport the reader to share the pain and joy of another human being, without losing the starkness of reality, leading the way to healing and deeper understanding.  We selected pieces that spoke about human touch, whether by hand or heart; about health care and the experience of physical recovery; and about the strength of the human spirit.

Each of us has something to contribute to the healing process - both for our own sake and for others.  By reading with openness, we hope you will connect to the voice of each author, and take with you that sensitivity and courage that tends to our own wounds honestly and embraces others in their struggles.  Sometimes the best support is to simply listen - truly listen - and for those who take the time to do so, you find a new innocence and energy to carry on.

Thank you for joining us.

O.P.W. Fredericks, Editor

Daniel Milbo, Assistant Editor