Those Hands

Those hands.

They’re getting stronger every day. They are still shaky at times, but those are working hands. They are the hands of someone who wants to get better, who has no choice but to move on through the blow life has dealt her. They are folded in prayer every day. They are brave hands, but they are also lonely hands – and at times, they are angry hands. For fifty-three years and more, they have been intertwined with another set of hands. Now, when those hands reach out, the other set doesn’t reach back.  They are empty hands, for the first time in a very long time.

I’m asking you to pray for those hands. When those hands reach for yours, hang on a little longer than you normally would. Encourage and embrace the woman behind those hands every chance you get. A pat, a stroke, a clasp, a kiss – give those hands what you can. They will need you to help fill the emptiness, to help keep them strong when they start to shake again, to help keep them brave when they waver.  Those hands are strong, but they are empty. Don't forget them. Fill them with your love. 

Those hands.