I watch my hands finger the small bootie once worn by my children. The tag inside reads “6/12 months.” This was a first shoe for two toddlers just learning to walk.
I see my fingers move, thinning, loose skin on the back of my hands piling up and relaxing. These are ‘doing’ hands. I have thoughtlessly relied upon them forever.
My children are decades into their lives now. One grew into shoes he used to walk completely out of my life. The other wears shoes that keep him in motion, learning, building, and exploring.
And here remains the small bootie and the hands that helped those tiny feet touch down on the earth so very long ago.
Shouldn't...but Do 