Mama’s Hands
I love my Mother’s hands. There are none like them. You could put them in a line up with a million others and I would know them. I have watched, looked for, clung to, longed for and held gently these hands. They have placed cool cloths on my head during seemingly endless sick nights, and held me tight in the scary darkness. With them she gently pushed me out of the nest to fly on my own, and again tethered me to her when I was a little wobbly.
You can tell just by looking at them who my Mama is. Elegant, graceful, strong and compassionate. I see all of those things in the soft lines of her hands.
These hands are skillful on the piano, and happy to play for anyone who needs a song. They do not point fingers in accusation, but instead reach out to others. Always reaching out, always giving away. That is my mama.
Her hands are rarely clutched tight in anger or selfishness. She keeps them open, always open. Open to family, to strangers, to those in need. Open in worship.
Thank you Mama, for loving me and showing me how to love. You are the best mom I could have ever hoped for. I am so grateful God gave you to me.
I pray I will carry on your legacy with my own hands.
I Corinthians 13:1-7 ~”If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
10 Comments
How I wish I had a photo shoot of my mother’s hands! I have several pictures of her hands from when she was in the hospital shortly before she died, but how I wish I had taken them through the years — my mother had the softest hands of anyone I ever met; soft but she worked so hard, loved fiercely, and welcomed many. Thanks for shining light on your mom’s hands; maybe others will get those pictures of their parents or the things about them that are special before the end.
Mimi, I know how you feel. I have always loved my mother’s hands, and I have always told her so. I know you miss you mama’s soft hands. Thank you for sharing your heart here.
Such a beautiful post. I lost my mother in 1987 at only 59 years old and can still see her hands today. Felt the same way about her hands – always there for me. Entering my 50’s (I’m 54 now) I began to notice a brown spot coming up on the back of my hand in just the same spot my mother had one. I used to rub it with my thumb when I held her hand. I may have always rubbed there when holding it, but always remember that spot. I have a lot more “spots” appearing and my doctor asked if I wanted to begin using something to erase the spots on my hands. Vanity said yes, but my heart knew better. I told the doctor why I did not want that spot erased and we both teared up!!! Thanks for sharing!
Elizabeth, such a touching story. Thank you for sharing it. Our mother’s hands are so special.I know you miss her, even after all these years. Blessings to you.
Thank you, Darling, for those sweet words.
Love you Mama. Only one you.
Beautiful Maryanne…thank you for honoring mom in your 365 day blog journey. She is all those things you mentioned. She is a person with many friends. She has no enemies. She would give away her last dollar to who needs it. She loves her children the same and shows no favoritism. It’s if you are the only child. She is the best mom and is a blessing to us all….family and to all who know her.
I’m tearing up, too, reading this.
Love is a blessing.
Wish I had a pic of my mom’s hands as well…she passed away in 2002 and oh do I miss her. Makes me think I will get a photo of my granddaughter and daughter’s hands in mine…also take a pic of my own hands to pass down…we don’t know when we will be called home…Such a precious gift we can give our daughters/granddaughters.
Oh Patricia, I am so sorry for the loss of you mom. I lost my dad in July and miss him so. Yes, do get a photo of your hands together. It would be such a nice memory. Bless you.