failure to thrive

I was raised in a home where there was no joy, no hugs, no kisses, and no I love you's.  Maybe that is why I have been wanting to write about the concept "failure to thrive."  Although it can refer to many different circumstances, I read about it somewhere and it was described like this..... a lack of growth or development, a decline in health in a child or adult, for no presenting reason.  In other words, someone is clearly not doing well, and there appears to be no medical reason why.

One study suggested that failure to thrive comes from a lack of physical touch.  Babies not being held.  Older adults losing loved ones and living alone.

The point of this post is this:  pet the cat, scratch the dog's belly, hold your children, your spouse and those you love.  The warm fuzzies that come from your kindness may just drive away the blues and fill a person's day with joy.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.