These hands........

These hands raised 8 children and gave love, compassion and a wealth that surpasses the worth of any worldly goods. These hands made countless dinners that fed her family and in turn created a haven where her family felt loved and cared for. These hands showed courage as she worked hard and diligently fought to raise 7 children when her husband passed away at an early age. These hands comforted, disciplined and led by example in the most difficult and trying times.

These hands wrote countless of letters to her family members and through her words kept the bond of love and unity flowing for generations. These hands instilled in her children and grandchildren pride and joy in everything we create and do in our lives. These hands created countless needlepoint creations that brought joy to so many lucky recipients. These hands showed me to LOVE TO READ...because they picked up material to read on a daily basis. These hands cleaned for years and instilled in her family that no matter how little we have monetarily, we can and should have a clean and healthy castle, because it is OUR SANCTUARY.

These hands created and nourished a family that even though is not perfect maintains the familial bond that GOD intended. These hands conveyed comfort and love as she wrapped herself around you and hugged without reservations.

These hands have been ravished by time and by this horrible disease called Alzheimer's. These hands will be 91 years old very soon, yet in spite of the loss of youth, they show strength in their fragility. These hands may be tired, but at times I see a glimpse of the spirit that lives in her and was her signature as a strong woman. Even though these hands are no longer as active as they were in the past, they continue to bring a wealth of emotion in me. These hands still have the power to bring back wonderful memories and remind me who I am , where I come from, and where I am going.

These hands belong to my beloved ABUELA.

If you are lucky enough to have grandma here, take pictures, visit...even if she doesn't know who you are...YOU KNOW WHO SHE IS!!! Hug her, hold her and thank God that she is still with you.

Sending you tons of hugs!!!!

Damaris