The Hands

Today is the anniversary of the day that my Aunt Erminia entered this world - and also left it. In between, she graced me (and countless others) in endless ways.... She continues to bless me and live on in and through so many lives. Last year, as I was recovering from two broken feet with soft tissue damage, I was inspired to pen this prayer-poem. I share it today - remembering my Auntie Erminia and thanking God for her, her hands and all the hands that nurtured me.

the hands

her hands

which inspired my hands

and mirrored Her hands

I would go over to her home

and gaze at her beautiful hands

with soft, smooth Mediterranean skin

with long-almond shaped nails painted in apple red polish

with a sparkling solitaire flanked by diamond bands

tangible signs of the love she shared with my uncle

a love that overflowed to me

a love that enveloped me

beautiful hands that worked

delivering packs of Wrigley gum to stores

a woman’s hands earning money

generously placing samples in my hands

nimble hands that cooked 3-course meals

meals that filled my tummy

meals that warmed my heart

hands with green thumbs that

nurtured a room full of plants

in all shapes and sizes

hands that touched

as a little girl in her shadow

I knew I wanted to grow up to be like her

for so many reasons

and I wanted my hands to look like her hands

sparkle and all

I remember the first time I felt

an invisible Divine hand on my arm

warmly clasping me

affirming that I was doing what I was meant to do

it felt like her hand

it radiated all that I felt in her presence

and now

as I sense my Divine Mother – Mama God

I sense Her hands cradling my broken feet

and rocking me to sleep in a bassinet

and I see her hands

and my heart is filled with love

and my life is filled with love

I AM grateful for a lifetime of hands

hands human and holy