Did you know that “Jesus Liked to have his face tickled”? That is one of the things you can learn about on the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center sponsored by the New York Sisters of Charity.
Excerpt from the website…
“He sat in a chair that compensated for his multiple disabilities. A little guy, the size of a 3-year-old but chronologically older, he had some control over his movements in the chair, but he had difficulty with eye contact and focus. His little hands flailed about as an Angel of Mercy, a young woman, talked with him. Constantly getting his attention, and not letting him drift back into whatever limited world he lives in, she coached him lovingly.
I introduced myself. It seemed silly at the time. Telling this little guy my name is Larry and that I am a visitor. His Angel said hello to me and said, “This is Jesus. Jesus, this is Larry. Can you say hello?” He couldn’t in a traditional way, but his head moved more and he seemed to try to focus. His Angel wouldn’t give up. “Jesus, can you say hello to Larry?” Then, she rubbed his cheek lightly and said, “Jesus likes to have his face tickled.” Indeed he did! A slight grin emerged as he leaned his little head into her touch.
Suddenly, we had a language of hello. It wasn’t words. It was a tickle. So, I reached out and tickled him under his chin like my grandfather used to do to me when I was that size. “I’m gonna get your gullet!” he’d say to me. I’d laugh. So, I goosed Jesus under his chin and said “I’m gonna get your gullet!” (I was a sophomore in college taking biology before I found out there was no such thing as a gullet.)
Jesus grinned as best he could, arms flailing more, eyes rolling as if trying to focus. Jesus and I had made contact! His Angel said it took a long time for Jesus to get comfortable with physical contact. What patience she must have. An Angel as a coach!
Jesus and I said goodbye. Jesus and his Angel were part of what looked like a “moms’ play group” — two or three other kids with unbelievably complex needs. All attended by other Angels who were in constant state of communication with these kids, recognizing subtle responses, massaging their hands, trying to engage them in sticker books or toys that make noise. Another little fellow named Tonchim gave me a sticker. He gives a “thumbs up” when he likes you. He pitches a fit when he doesn’t. I got the thumbs up and a grin.”
See also their statement on “What Children Need”
Sr. Carol Anne Barnes, member of the Sisters of Charity of New York, is Chair of the Board.
