“These hands.
These hands of mine are so full right now.
These hands hold my bowed head, heavy with exhaustion and uncertainty, while the tears flow freely between my fingers.
These hands are chapped and cracking from the excessive hand washing and all the sanitizing.
These hands slice grapes, prepare meals, open juice boxes, and cut the crust off so many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
These hands clean all the things.
These hands pick up all the toys.
These hands fold all the laundry.
These hands grade assignments, type out replies to emails, and check off boxes on the daily to-do list.
These hands tie unwashed hair up into a bun.
These hands swipe on makeup to hide the dark circles.
These hands put the pieces back together when everything seems to have fallen apart.
You see, these hands might be tired and worn, overworked and overused, but they also heal and comfort and calm.
These hands build LEGO, squish play dough, and draw rainbow colored unicorns.
These hands put on band-aids.
These hands construct blanket forts.
These hands form shadow puppets.
These hands wipe away the tears.
These hands gently stroke soft, sweet-smelling hair, rub backs, and rock babies to sleep.
These hands hold smaller, pillowy hands tight when something hurts or is scary.
These hands clap wildly for every milestone and accomplishment.
These hands are loved.
These hands are important.
These hands matter.
You know, it’s true.
These hands of mine are so full right now.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
These hands.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Mari Ebert. You can follow her journey on Instagram, Facebook, and her website. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.
Read more from Mari here:
How Could We Have Possibly Created Something So Beautiful? — The Marvel Of Motherhood
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