Mamaw’s Hands: A Lifetime of Love and Lessons
I’ve been thinking a lot about my Mamaw’s hands. They are strong, worn, and oh so soft! But more than that, they tell stories. Stories of a life lived with simplicity.
Sit Back and Relax
As you read this, I want it to feel like we are sitting on the porch, sharing sweet tea, and hearing a good ole’ story from my Mamaw. I want it to remind others of the beauty in the everyday moments we so often take for granted.
Making homemade play-dough with Mamaw was one of my favorite things to do when I went over to visit! I always looked forward to doing that.
My Mamaw is still very much a big part of our lives, and I still get to hold her sweet hands.
What Her Hands Have Been A Part Of
Her hands have picked blackberries and kneaded dough for biscuits. They have stirred chocolate gravy for breakfast, just to see her kids smile. Her hands learned to swim when she was grown—a mix of determination and courage I’ll never forget. Seriously, she learned how to swim in her 50’s.
Her hands have held so much. Babies, hymnals, letters, and even sorrow. They are still showing me what it means to keep going, to keep giving, to keep loving.
Reasons for Writing This Post
I wanted this piece to reflect her legacy. Not just for me, but for anyone who’s ever had someone like her in their life. I hope it reminds you to look down at your own hands and see the stories they tell.
Her hands lived a life worth remembering. This is my way of creating a memory of them, of passing her love and lessons on to the next generation.
A Lifetime of Love and Lessons: A Poem
The world sees her hands, worn and weathered by years of work and care. But the real story lies not in what is visible but in the moments those hands have held, created, and comforted.
Storytelling
Her hands have seen joy and sorrow, growth and loss. They are not merely tools; they are storytellers. They carry the scars of a life lived with purpose and a love that knows no bounds.
Personal Reflection
Looking at my own hands now, I am reminded of the lessons they carry. Her hands have shaped three generations, and the fourth has just started with a brand new great-great granddaughter!
Each one of us learns from each other and our hands help shape each person around us. We become people who understand the depth of grace, resilience, and gratitude.
How grateful I am to hold her hands, to have learned their language, and to be part of the story they tell.
Love you Mamaw!
What do you see?
Let me know—do you see your Mamaw’s hands in yours? What stories do they tell? I’d love to hear them.
There’s so much to learn from those who came before us. And much to carry on. 🙂
I agree:) So much love to give.
I love this, Anna. So many sweet past and present memories of your sweet Mamaw. I truly miss mine and I miss the importance of these type of memories with generations today. Living a simple but productive life is so needed. I remember learning to make biscuits from my grandmother’s old flour cupboard in a tiny but really long house in downtown Louisville area. My grandmothers always looked like grandmothers for as long as I can remember. Handmade dresses and old aprons. My other grandmother taught me to use her wringer washer and gardening. I loved doing laundry on that. . Jerry’s grandmother taught me so much as well.
Thank you so much for sharing that! Those are beautiful memories and they made me smile reading through them. Even though everything is so fast-paced, I think we can still pass down cherished memories. They just look a little different. You are really good about being intentional and creating special times together with your family;)