Okay. I realize the above is a rather unique title. What in the world do a Grammy-winning rock star and a battered volleyball from the movie "Castaway" have in common?

I'll start with Mr. Springfield. If you don't recognize the name, I'm sure you remember the song, "Jessie's Girl" - that catchy tune from the 80s that no one can get out of their heads once they've heard it and is a hands-down favorite at karaoke bars everywhere.

I've seen him in concert several times, and one of the highlights of his live show is when he performs the song "Human Touch." As he sings the lyrics, "We all need... the human touch," he goes out into the audience and tries to connect with as many fans as he can. I can also attest that at one show he stood on the chair beside me and made me sing in front of thousands of people.

But I digress.

Then there's Wilson the Volleyball. For those who haven't seen the film, "Castaway," Tom Hanks plays a character who ends up on a remote tropical island after a FedEx plane crashes into the ocean. He spends four solitary years there before he is rescued.

During that time, he forms an unusual bond with, of all things, a volleyball he names Wilson. He draws a face on Wilson, he talks to him, he asks for his advice and perspective on things. When Wilson is lost at sea toward the end of the film, it's an agonizing scene as Tom Hanks' character weeps uncontrollably over his loss.

God put within each of us a need for human contact, that human touch. In fact, the need is so great that when we are deprived of it, we form connections with whatever can fill that need. It's one of the reasons why pets are so important for the elderly who live alone and for those who are isolated due to mental illness or disabilities.

For those of us fortunate enough to interact with friends and loved ones on a daily basis, even when we fuss and argue over petty things that aren't important, we give thanks for this wonderful blessing. Take time today to reach out to someone in need of another's words and touch.

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