The skin on my hands is dry and scarred. The worn polish has been removed. Two nails are starting to break below the area where they leave the bed. The "mechanic hands" by someone who had long, ladylike, delicate fingers. Pianist's hands, I believe. Remembering this small cruelty brings a smile to my face, although it caused me some pain all those years ago. "Now," I counsel myself, "it's actually a good sign that THAT was the worst thing she could think of to say about me. I should be happy about that." And I am.
Because since then, these "mechanic hands" have tied shoes and buttoned buttons, they've zipped pants and jackets, crocheted afghans, and knitted hats and scarves. They've blown noses, wiped tears, washed dishes, children, abandoned kittens, and cars.
They've kneaded bread, peeled oranges, apples, potatoes, stickers, and band-aids. They've opened stubborn packaging and packaged stubborn gifts for others to open. And they've also received many gifts themselves.
They've patted backs, scratched itches, applied ointments, and provided comfort. They have written and created. They have greeted new friends and held miracles. Yes, they've even performed an oil change or two.
They've done so much more than I can list here. And they can do more.
So, I look at these hands. And I see nothing wrong.
21 comments:
oops - this line, "The "mechanic hands" by someone who had long, ladylike, delicate fingers." Should actually read, "They had once been derogatively described as "mechanic hands" by someone who had long, ladylike, delicate fingers." My bad as I didn't notice the missing words when I sent my post in an email.
~Teeni
I think you have very pretty hands! Great post!
I am so feeling that today. *sigh* Weeks of bleaching and scrubbing can't be wiped away with a mani. :(
@em - They're not too bad considering the swelling from the medications and thryoid disease. LOL. But the point is what I can do with them. Even though they aren't the prettiest things in the world, they can do some pretty astounding things.
@Honeywine - Very true. But I'm glad my hands are capable, no matter what they look like. :)
Came here from teeni's just to check out her hands and to stumble this post. Tiddlypom! ;)
Mike
Exit78
I second Mike. Tiddlypom!!!
Well, said, Teeni!
I gotta hand it to you, Teeni, this post came in very handy when Kami needed it most. ;) What a sport. =]
gorgeous hands.
Lovely post.
you forgot to mention your awesome cake decorating SKILZ! great guest post teeni!
What a great post, Teeni. The palms of my hands are calloused and feel like sandpaper but it doesn't matter. You are so right, what wonderful things we do with our hands.
I see nothing wrong with your hands either. Unless you are planning to bitch slap me with them.
Thanks, everyone!
It could be worse you could have Angelina Jolie hands- she has hands like Skeletor.
Teeni, just holler if you ever want to guest post in my blog. I promise not to tiddlypom you.
And those hands bare the mark of a husband love....
very beautiful post
you have those lovely creative hands teeni. Great post!
Teeni, sometimes the most simple thoughts are so elegant. Your hands are indeed very beautiful!
Wonderful writing, and very inspiring.
Michelle - That cracked me up - mostly because I've always secretly thought that about Angelina's hands AND her arms too!
Rummy - Any time you need me, just let me know - I usually have an idea or two rolling around in my blog drafts that I can finish off.
Debo - Thank you!! He better love me! LOL! Or those hands are gonna bear the marks of a good husband-beating! ;)
Jeanny - thank you, I appreciate it!
Speedy - Thanks for your kind words - you definitely keep me going. :)
Beautiful post!
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