Late last week I was helping my two sons clean some of the rooms in the home they recently purchased to get it ready for the big move-in day. As I scrubbed, vacuumed, and dusted I began to notice my hands. Age spots are beginning to appear, and I am in need of a manicure but as I gazed at my hands, I began to think about all the wonderful experiences my hands have provided…my now fondest memories…the everyday normal things that often get overlooked ~ of my children.
I remember how my hands cradled their fragile bodies, and my fingers gently stroked their soft cheeks as I held them close to my heart the very first moment we met.
My hands wiped their tears, tucked in blankets, and made lunches. They held kite strings, picked up countless Lego’s, bought Hello Kitty products, and sewed on scout patches.
They turned the pages of nightly bedtime stories, taught bedtime prayers and played good brother/ bad brother puppets to help them end their day laughing.



These hands held on tightly while crossing the street or offering comfort. They clapped with joy at first steps, band performances, little league games, swim meets and academic achievements ~ both large and small.
They combed and braided hair, folded laundry, and buttoned shirts. They have touched shoulders, waved in greeting, and pushed in playful gestures.
They tickled tummies, rubbed backs and tied bows. They pushed swings on the playground and held on tightly around their tiny waist as we slid tandem down slides. These hands clasped tightly in prayer as I waited for them to return home after their first solo driving experience, or a late night out.
These hands waved goodbye and gently wiped the tears off my own face as each one of my children left to find their way in this world… as I bravely smiled.
These hands close daily as I give thanks and praise to God for choosing me to be their mother. Even though my children are grown up and living their own lives these hands still serve them. I don’t get to see my children as often as I used to, but they definitely know these hands are always here for them.
“For all the things my hands have held the best by far is you”
– Andrew McMahon, Lyrics from Cecilia and the Satellite