Lisa Jo tosses a simple word high into the sky. And those who love a good prompt to get them writing reach up and grab that word and run with it. For 300 seconds on Fridays. As I wandered over to her place just now, I saw that today's offering was the word HANDS.
And I couldn't help but smile. For the image on my screensaver these days is my mom's hands. Tender, gentle, just a bit worn. Soft. Firm. Reaching into the damp dark soil, putting the final touches on her new plantings. This sight, this image, this picture somehow brings me peace. A sense that all is right with the world.
I honor her today, for no other reason than I love her. I'm glad to share this photograph, I'm thankful that she is still very much in my life, a faithful presence. You could say she's a doting wife, the supportive loving matriarch, the dearest friend to many, the guiding star, the knitter of the sweetest little hats for babies she'll never meet. The one we all turn to for a needed encouragement ... and great dollops of the keenest wisdom, softly spoken firmly.
But all I can say is how much I deeply admire her, and only hope and pray that when I finally grow up, maybe I could have her gentle grace, her kind words, her grateful spirit, and her indomitable strength as she fights the pain her body doles out to her, day in and day out.
For in her I see Jesus.
* visiting with Holley
Linda, love your post! When I think of Mom, my first thought is her hands also! I always think of being a little girl in church and to keep me quiet during the sermon, I would hold her hand and trace her fingernails - like I was putting on that clear polish she always wore - (God forbid it would ever be a color!) Then I would play with her wedding and engagement rings, twisting them around her finger until the sermon would end! Now, many years later, they are celebrating their 62nd(?) anniversary tomorrow! Wonder what my kids would think of when they think of my hands.
ReplyDeleteNo one, but no one has a memory like you, Marilyn! Glad to hear that you were entertained while Mom tried desperately to keep you quiet! Wonder if she ever got to worship during those early years ... or was she too busy trying to keep us still?
DeleteAnd yes, it's 62 years. God is too good.
Hugs.
I think about sitting in church listening to Daddy preach and you would hold my hand too to keep ME quiet. You'd do the same thing to me, trace my fingers and fingernails.
DeleteAh, the nut didn't fall far from the tree, did it?!!
Delete;-}
I'm glad you're here today, Ash!
Oh my, (tears). I immediately thought of my Grandma when I saw the picture and then read your words. I think I'm going to call her right now. :)
ReplyDeleteNow you're gonna get ME crying, Alecia. Love that you're calling your Grandma!
DeleteWhat an amazing woman your mom must be! There is nothing better than the legacy we leave for our children. May we all give future generations a glimpse of Jesus!
ReplyDeleteYep, her kids, grandkids, and the little great-grand fans all rise and call her blessed. She truly is all that and more.
DeleteI feel so very honored and speechless and humble and I could go on and on!!! Thank you so much for your beautiful tribute. I feel very unworthy of all that you have said. I have so much to be thankful for and constantly "Count My Many Blessings."
ReplyDeleteI can't capture the words, Mom. But I try ...
DeleteHugs.
Linda, just beautiful and to then see the comment from your mom... oh my, what a joy to witness a profound love between a mother and daughter. Thank you so much for sharing. {Hugs} to you. Always blessed from what you share.
ReplyDeleteI am blessed. Yes. So filled with gratitude, too. And that you are blessed when you come to call is such a great encouragement to me, friend.
DeleteThank you.
Linda, how blessed you are to have such a mom! A beautiful tribute! Have a blessed weekend!
ReplyDeleteI so want to show my love for people when I can do it face to face ... or pen to paper or voice to voice. I want to do it while they are with me, to savor the joy, to share gratitude and hugs together. The older I get, the more I crave living in this moment. And not waiting til it's too late to say what I need to say.
DeleteYour mom sounds wonderful and I loved that she stopped over to say "thanks" to you! Such sweetness! You know our parents' legacy lives on through us and all the best parts become out best parts too! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYes, Mary, she sent me the note via email and I posted it {which I do for any of my readers who have trouble navigating the posting process which sometimes gets glitchy!} And yes, I am thankful for the legacy that's passing down through the generations. By His grace ...
DeleteHave a super weekend!
;-}
Oh, Linda, how lovely...and how I envy you. I don't have memories like this.
ReplyDeletePlease, continue to appreciate them, and share that love.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/06/spouse-replacement-dont-do-this.html
I hear you, Andrew, and I thank you for your graciousness. May today offer you the gift of building fresh memories ... yes, even in this season.
DeleteWeekend blessings.
Oh my, how I miss my mom's hands. Softer than a baby's behind, weathered by 86 years of holding, helping, baking, blessing, writing letters and cards, making pots of coffee, calling and encouraging friends and family, and folded in prayer. She's been gone 1 year and 8 months (who's counting?) and I can still feel her hands. Beautiful post Linda and I'm visiting your from Holley's Coffee for Your Heart (returning the visit!)
ReplyDeleteI'd be counting, too, Susan. I hear your longing for her. What a loving legacy she has left to you. I'm grateful we could meet today ...
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