His Hands Etched In Our Minds
A young boy with light brown hair watches with curious wondering eyes
Mimicking the grown-ups around him
Memorizing the hand motions of his dad, grandpa and uncles
As a child, he wanted to be a grown man
Share in conversations of adults,
Work among the men
Eagerly waiting to work with his hands
Strong, tough large hands
Chopping the dry juniper and cedar so grandma and grandpa would be warm during cold winter nights
Asking grandma if she needs repairs to her home
Installing a new iron-wood stove
Mending her fences around her house and garden
Grandma thanking him, Ahe'hee, shi' cheii
In her gratitude, her hands prepare a hot meal that fills his appetite
His hands etch in our minds
While other young children awaited toys at Christmas,
He hoped for tools, drills, wrenches,
Shadowing his grandpa, dad, and uncles
Creased leather gloves tucked into his back pocket
Anxious to repair trucks and cars and weld
His hands turned the wrenches loosening and tightening bolts
And carefully welded the axe head, shovel and scrap metal
Gentle hands
Caring for his nieces and nephew
He dressed them for school
Walked them to the bus stop
Took them swimming
Fixed their toys
An older sister grateful for his caring, attentive hands that held her children
An older brother most thankful for his skilled hands that frequently repaired his car but mostly for his companionship
"He was the go to guy"
His hands etched in their minds
On his drives home, he longed for the warmth of his mother's embrace
Her arms wrapped around her son, filling him with love
So little time he spent with us but much love he gave us
God blessed us for over 22 years as he showed us his love through Bryant
With his hands, he showed us kindness, love, helpfulness, patience, gentleness and compassion
His hands are ever etched in our minds
and
hearts
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Thank you,
Krisha