Wash On, Wash Off

I did my first load of all hand washed laundry today. My host mom, Maria, showed me how it was done a lot like how my own mom teaches new skills, quickly and without much patience. Her hands were quick and she washed three shirts in what I am sure was record time. It is as thoug she has been doing it her whole- oh wait, she has been doing this her whole life. It made me think of my own mother and the quickness with which she performs tasks. Hands that move qucikly, with percision, hands that are no stranger to labor. It made me think of a poem I read a couple years ago.

I saw you hide your hands in line, behind that lady fair,

I noticed too, hers soft and white - immaculate from care.
But Ma, I say, it’s no disgrace to have workin’ hands like you,
And had she lived the life you have, she’d have hands just like that too.

But her hands have never hauled in wood, or worked in God’s good earth.

They’ve never felt the bitter cold, or chopped ice for waitin’ stock,

They’ve never doctored sick ones, or dressed a horse’s hock.
They’ve never pulled a hip-locked calf, or packed water to the barn.

They’ve probably never patched blue jeans, or had worn ol’ socks to darn.

They’ve never touched a young’n, or caressed a fevered head,

With hands so gently folded, all night beside his bed.

They’ve never scrubbed a kitchen floor, or done dishes everyday.

They’ve never guided with those hands a child who’s lost the way.

They’ve never made a Christmas gift, shaped by a lovin’ hand.
They’ve never peeled apples, nor vegetables they’ve canned.
They’ve never worn a blister, or had calluses to show,
For all they’ve done for others, and the kindnesses I know.
So you see, my dearest Mama – yours are hands of love.
And I bet the Lord will notice when he greets you from above.