These Hands

I originally posted this in October 2011.  My grandmother peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on November 30, 2012.  I am so very thankful that I had another whole year to hold these hands and I rejoice today that these precious hands are now healed and  holding onto Jesus.

These Hands.....

raised my dad.

were making a pan of cornbread and putting my sister down for a nap on the day that I was born.

have worked long hours in the field on the family farm.

held me and wiped my tears on the day that my house burned and I lost my very favorite tricycle.

These Hands.....

held on for dear life as her heart wanted to give up many years ago.

played for hours with mine in the kitchen with a big tub of flour.

have logged many hours on the Nintendo game controller.

clapped for me over and over again as I jumped around the front yard.

have held and loved on both of my babies.

once broke when picking up a very large cantalope in the garden.

These Hands....

always patted my back when I came over to their house and took a nap.

have written many letters to friends over the years.

welcomed me into the house almost every single day of my life before I got married.

taught me how to shell a lot of peas.

have built many kitchen cabinets for extra space.

swatted my rear a few times when I was a kid.

These Hands......

taught me how to drive.

have smoked a lot of cigarettes.

took me on many rides on the "hoopty-do".

have held the Holy Bible close as each word was read.

have guided me, hugged me, and loved me for almost 40 years.

have been known to flip "the bird" on more than one occasion.

These Hands.....

have carried some long big sticks as we went on walks down the lane together.

baked many chocolate pies.

canned a lot of fruit preserves.

have wrapped many strips of fabric in my hair to make the perfect curl.

have prayed for me and many others through the years.

But now These Hands have aged, grown weak & tired, and are unable to do anything for themself. I am so very sad, but so very grateful for the countless things that I have learned from them. I love These Hands and the precious grandma that goes with them. I will treasure and be thankful for each moment that I still have to hold onto them.

I love you my sweet Grandma Grace.