Hannah

These hands... are particularly precious to me. They came to me almost 32 years ago on a warm fall day. When they were small they loved to rub the wobbly skin on our elbows. While I would nurse this baby, or lay down with her for her nap, I would feel her little hand search for my sleeve and make its way up inside and rub that elbow skin. These hands helped this child to climb into trees, to write poetry, to play soccer and softball and balance her body as she ran like the wind. 

These hands had many years where they caused profound damage and harm to come to the beautiful woman that they are attached to. They betrayed her and left their marks upon her soul and her body. 

Today these hands are working hard at healing and restoring what has been lost. Today these hands cook delicious food for her loved ones, they voluntarily clean up messes they didn't make...jus to lighten the load of another,  these hands leave surprise fresh flower arrangements as gifts for those she loves.  They write handwritten notes expressing love and care and encouragement. They grow their own food in the garden that she has built into a hillside (hillside gardening is not for the faint of spirit,) they take the hand of a little boy nephew who adores her and they show him how to plant and harvest what they have grown. They make snowcones and fill water balloons. These hands will hand over the leaf blower and the rake and help a little one to feel like a big contributing presence to the whole. 

Today these hands work hard at creating her own home, and building a life. They are kind hands that are gentle and helpful and able to extend compassion. These hands can soothe a homeless young woman addicted to meth, and remind her that if she will only lay down and sleep, she will feel better when she wakes up. They carry cups of tea and tissue to the inconsolable. They aren't afraid of the delusions of those who continue to suffer. These hands immerse themselves in the messiness of life without hesitation. These hands are courageous and brave and they keep on moving forward.