Mom has a new friend—a stuffed kitten named Fred. She sits with him, strokes him, and sings to him. It is strange to watch her interact so intensely with this inanimate toy, but it seems to bring her comfort. She especially enjoys stroking his soft fur. Touch is an important sense for Mom. We regularly hug each other and I am often the recipient of many kisses when we’re together. It is one of the ways in which we communicate our love. It allows me to show Mom tenderness when