hands that peeled an apple, and mashed a banana, for me to eat when I was sick in bed

hands that lifted me up on her shoulder when I needed to be held

hands that were used to tuck me in

hands that tucked her grandchildren in

hands that ran her fingers through my hair when I needed love

hands that rubbed by back, when I was sore or tired

hands that gave me a manicure

hands that trimmed my hair when the back of my neck got shaggy

hands that brought me that treasured round tin full of wonderful and magical buttons

hands that brought me a glass of grape juice or apple juice

hands that brought me a glass of milk and some cookies

hands that cleaned up my cuts when I had an accident

hands that cleaned up after me each time I was sick (special mention to the bare feet that walked in it sometimes too!)

hands that selected my new Easter clothes and helped me look my best

hands that cleaned up my shoes when I got them dirty

hands that held the spoon to give me my medicine

hands that held the comb as she taught me how to comb my hair

hands that put my socks on before I learned how to

hands that took my temperature when I was sick

hands that cleaned up the table when I spilt something during meal time

hands that held the bucket when she mopped the floor

hands that opened up a door when I couldn't reach it

hands that taught me how to brush my teeth

hands that held my bicycle as she taught me how to ride it

hands that picked me up off the floor when I fell in the roller skating ring

hands that helped me on and off the buses and trains as we traveled the country

hands that put my seat belt on when I needed protection

hands that helped me get the mail when I couldn't reach the mailbox

hands that lifted me up on the toilet when I was learning

hands that held on to me at the shopping center

hands that showed me how to color within the lines

hands that lifted me up into the shopping cart at the grocery store

hands that prepared meals in the kitchen

hands that held mine while crossing the street on the way to church each Sunday

hands that cooked some of my favorite foods, beef stew, pot roast, country style spareribs

hands that cared for others for over 15 years as an aide in the hospital, then 3 years in a home and school for developmentally disabled individuals

hands that held up the school crossing sign at the elementary school

hands that walked my dog, when I didn't realize it was my job

hands that made the tiniest precisely placed stitches, in mending and quilting

hands that did painting, creating special keepsakes

hands that grew flowered plants and tilled the soil that made our house a home

hands that worked word search after word search puzzle

hands so strong that when she held yours, she could cut off the circulation, and you better not have on a ring

hands that changed my diapers

hands that put the powder on my backside when I got a rash as a baby

hands that spanked me when I needed it

hands that wiped the tears from my eyes

hands that held the steering wheel to take me here and there

hands that opened my bedroom door in the middle of the night, when I had nightmares