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Grandma's hands...

5/13/2017

14 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano​
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​One of my favorite songs is Grandma’s Hands by Bill Withers. Recently, I heard Kristy Lee sing it, and I invite you to listen to her rendition. Always, whenever I hear the song, I think of my mom.
 
In my extended family “Grandma” is the guardian of all-things-possible. She’s the one to whom the 40+ grandchildren call to fix a problem. She’s the one the 100+ nieces and nephews look to for a pat on the back or a warm embrace. Grandma’s opinion trumps all others and her prayers evoke miracles it seems.

My siblings and I are aware of our mother’s power with our children. When Grandma says something, she is politely listened to – we may not be. If Grandma says this or that needs to be done, this or that is done – no questions asked. Somehow the younger among us have decided that Grandma is the queen.

And, they are all aware of Grandma’s hands.

Gnarled from arthritis and time, Grandma keeps them hidden as best she can. When I was a child, her fingers deftly made quilts and dresses; churned butter or turned the crank for homemade ice cream. She tended one garden after another, and when she could, she escaped the noise of yelling kids and painted peaceful scenes in oil on canvas.

At ninety years old, my mom’s hands, Grandma’s hands, have retired from such things. They now turn pages more slowly, struggle to pick up coins or button a blouse; but, for their limitations, these beautiful hands still reach out to hold or embrace…the newest baby, the child crying, the teenager needing encouragement, the mom or dad who needs advice. Time may have taken its toll, but love just gets refined.

Blessings to all on this Mother’s Day….  


14 Comments
Lauretta Taylorr
5/14/2017 09:39:36

Thank You Gwen. That wa very nice love mother

Reply
Gwen Plano
5/14/2017 11:01:27

I am so happy you saw this, mom. Happy Mother's Day! Much love...♥

Reply
Davy D link
5/15/2017 02:44:48

Beautiful words Gwen. That last line, about love just getting refined, is something we should all carry with us as we age.

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Gwen Plano
5/15/2017 05:42:50

Thank you so much, Davy. The last line is my hope.... Have a great day!

Reply
John Fioravanti
5/15/2017 05:22:15

I enjoyed this lovely introduction to your mother, Gwen. I think it is wonderful that she is the Matriarch of your family - a position not sought out, but earned by who she is and how she operates. I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Reply
Gwen Plano
5/15/2017 05:49:13

Thank you, John. I had a wonderful Mother's Day at the local bluegrass festival, a local favorite of mine. Have a great day...

Reply
Jan Sikes link
5/15/2017 07:37:56

What an incredibly poignant post, Gwen. Before Rick passed away, I'd often sit on the arm of his chair at night and we'd watch TV. He'd take my hands and gently caress them and talk about how much they could accomplish in a day's time. Now, I often find myself looking at them and remembering his words and appreciation. We take so much for granted. Thank you for sharing.

Reply
Gwen Plano
5/16/2017 08:02:55

Thank you so much, Jan. Hands express a lot, don't they? When I meet someone, I'm drawn to their eyes - and then their hands. Both seem to capture the heart of a person. How beautiful that Rick caressed your hands as he did....♥

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John Howell link
5/15/2017 07:56:59

A beautiful tribute to your mom, Gwen. So nice to see that she was able to let you know how much she liked it.

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Gwen Plano
5/16/2017 08:04:28

Thank you, John. Yes...it was sweet that mom responded. I think she saw the post on Facebook. Heartwarming for sure!

Reply
D.L. Finn
5/15/2017 11:52:35

Beautiful passage, Gwen. I have never heard this song before. I enjoyed it and the idea of hands of love.

Reply
Gwen Plano
5/16/2017 08:05:36

Thank you, D.L. It's a beautiful song, isn't it...a story in and of itself. ♥

Reply
Mae Clair link
5/15/2017 12:28:18

That is a lovely post, Gwen. Your mother sounds like a beautiful person who has touched many lives :)

Reply
Gwen Plano
5/16/2017 08:06:55

Thank you, Mae. I come from a very large family, so mom has indeed touched many lives. Have a wonderful day!

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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