What Do You See?

“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” Maya Angelou

A year ago I made a spontaneous trip to Mexico to attend my aunt’s funeral. The days prior to my aunt’s passing were emotionally exhausting and her passing left us all with a big void. My mom has always been a person of great faith and admirable emotional strength, but I knew this experience was taking a toll on her. The day we came home from my aunt’s funeral Mass, my mom laid down for a nap. She was physically tired, but more than that, I could almost feel the sadness of her soul. 

As soon as my mom fell asleep, I sat at the edge of her bed and my eyes were immediately fixed on her hands. The right hand sitting on top of her left hand. Tears immediately started rolling down my face, it was as if our souls were connecting in the most intimate of ways without her even knowing.

I carefully studied her hands.  Every age spot, every wrinkle. Each told me a story.  A story of strength, a story of faith and most importantly, a story of love.

The hands that were looking back at me were the same hands that nurtured me in my younger years.  Hands that taught me many things.  Hands that cared for me when I was sick, and hands that comforted me during times of sadness and discouragement.  Those hands combed my hair, cooked my meals, drove me places, celebrated my successes and guided me through life. Those same hands cuddled my babies and taught me how to be a mom. Her aging hands have blessed me more times than I could count.

My mom is legally blind now and the hands that have done so much for so many are now her guiding force through life. They help her navigate through those familiar spaces that have now become new territory to her due to her disability. Her hands might have gotten weaker over the years, but the strength of hands is immeasurable.

2,000 miles have separated her hands from mine for many years now and I dream of the day when I am able to feel her touch, the warmth of her flesh and the silkiness of her skin more often, once again. The day when I can be her guiding force through life, and simply let her know with my physical presence that she is loved more than she will ever know.

I know that day will come. ❤