Hands

Today has been one of those days. The girls woke up early and hardly napped. I was always moving, cleaning up one mess then to the next. The noise level in our home was higher than normal. Several tears were shed. Once bedtime rolled around, we all had a few more scrapes and bruises. I am exhausted without energy to clean up the overwhelming mess made today.

So here I sit, rocking Shae. She is already asleep, sound asleep. I am enjoying the peace that I feel as I hold this sweet baby. I take a minute to admire her perfect features. How did I get so lucky? I feel so blessed. I am so in love. If these girls could only know just how much they are loved… I squeeze my hands tighter around this precious little one. As I see my hands embracing this child, I recognize the details in my hands. I have my mother’s hands. They have the same look, but there is so much more than that. An image comes to mind.

This image displays my mother in my same situation only she is holding me. There may be a few minor changes involved in the surroundings, but the love is the same. The feelings are the same. The moment is the same. My mind begins to wonder as I picture my mom sacrificing her hands to take care of my every need. She is exhausted and happy, because she loves me. At that moment, she has chosen to dedicate her life to me. I have never felt that motherly love so strong as I did sitting in that rocking chair.

I am grateful for my mom and the strength she gives me. Not a day goes by that I do not stop and recognize how much my mom went through to take care of me. My mom experienced the same things I do, the sweat, tears, and exhaustion. I am sure every mom can agree that motherhood is hard. Then why do so many women embrace their calling as a mother? The answer is simple, they love their children and that reward is the best feeling a mother could ask for.

Thank you mom for sacrificing your hands and reminding me about these rewards.