If my mother’s hands could talk, at first they wouldn’t know where to begin.
How far back should I go? they’d wonder.
Her hands would recount times of hardship and times of plenty. Likely they’d mention the many hours spent at the steering wheel, running, seeking, finding, chauffeuring, helping, rescuing, discovering.
If my mother’s hands could talk, they’d be able to describe to you the many improvements and advancements hearing aids have seen through the years, from large and embarrassing to sleeker and much more discreet. Her hands might even talk to you in sign language… especially if there’s someone in earshot who shouldn’t be listening!
If my mother’s hands could talk, they’d surely bless the day when she opened her first letter from Charley, discovering a perfect match. And naturally they’d have to mention the day when his hands decorated her own with a simple, beautiful wedding band.
This conversation might then lead to one in which her hands would lose count of how many boxes they’ve packed and unpacked, moving here and there for a variety of reasons – finances, convenience, restlessness, military.
If my mother’s hands could talk, they could offer so much gardening advice! They’d beam at the memory of having fought hard against nature and its elements, reaping several modest harvests that’ve been able to bless so many other families. Lettuce, peppers, beans, onions…
But soon her hands would forget what they were about to say, lost in the contentment of trailing back and forth across the back of a fluffy, old cat.
If my mother’s hands could talk, they would attempt to calculate how many babies they’ve ever held – her babies, foster babies, nursery babies, friends’ babies, family’s babies and one grandbaby. They wouldn’t be able to deny that it was in these moments that they felt the most fulfilled, like this is what they were made to do! To mother!
But, then again, if my mother’s hands could talk, they mightn’t say much at all… because, you know, there’s so much that she chooses not to say. More than once this trait has caused me to remember a very special Bible verse:
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” ~Luke 2:19
No, if my mother’s hands could talk, they might actually be very quiet, waiting on the Lord, waiting to see what happens.
How beautiful. Not the hands of an idle woman. For sure. Bet she needs Beauti-Control as well. Servants on vacation, no doubt, like ours.
She definitely gets some Beauti Control treats from time to time for various occasions! No, I don’t think we know what idleness is in our family!
Beautiful
Oy! tears, first thing in the morning …
♥ ♥ ♥
Didn’t see that coming, eh? Love you, Momma!
What a beautiful tribute to your mother! She is indeed a wonderful child of God who knows how to “Be still and know that I am God”! Your mothers hands were blessed to have such a grateful daughter who recognizes her gifts.
You have a very special mom! I am sure you have taken on those traits and are a very special mom also!
Cindi
I sure hope so. Only time will tell.
just chiming in here on what a beautiful and accurate tribute this is to my friend Donna
and how blessed she is that her hands have reared children who know how to appreciate her!
Nice ode to mom, Sue. <3 Very nice, indeed.
Beautiful. She’s very special.
Trying to catch up today. Beautiful!