Notes About The Poem

August 2, 2025, entered in the Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder contest

sponsor: Crystol Woods     placed 3rd
                     *************************************

With a Gentle Hand -- Mystic



This scene occurred just days before she died.
Somehow I made it through before I cried.

While pale and weak, eyes closed, in bed she lay,
I thought of all the things I longed to say.

I whispered “Beautiful" and kissed each hand.
Confused, Mom said, "What? I don’t understand.”

“Your HANDS,” I said. She answered, “They’re worn out
and wrinkled. That’s what aging’s all about.”

I said, “You’ve worked and cared, as mothers should.
Your strong but gentle hands made life so good!
With smiles and hugs for all your family,
you made us safe and happy as could be.
Again I say, about these hands I hold,
they're beautiful, and you are good as gold.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025


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Date: 8/10/2025 9:40:00 PM
Beautiful indeed!
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 8/14/2025 7:13:00 AM
Thanks so much, Andrea. Janice
Date: 8/7/2025 6:55:00 PM
Such a touching and tender tribute, Janice. Your words capture both the love and the bittersweet ache of that moment—beautifully honoring your mother’s life and the hands that shaped it.
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 8/14/2025 7:14:00 AM
Thanks SO MUCH, Rowena. Janice
Date: 8/4/2025 8:13:00 AM
It is great that you could compliment your mother in such a way in her last days. I know it made her feel proud that you would respect her so much and love her with all your heart. Thanks for sharing this one with us. It reads like a good contender for the contest to me. Way to go. Sara K
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 8/4/2025 11:26:00 AM
Thanks a million, Sara! Janice
Date: 8/2/2025 3:16:00 PM
As I read this, I touch the back of my hand to my cheek, thinking of my mom’s soft hand. Endearing, sweet one.
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 8/3/2025 5:32:00 AM
Thanks so much, Kim! Janice
Date: 8/2/2025 1:56:00 PM
WOW!!! What a powerful/lovely write you have here. "Good Luck" A winner for me... Have a blessed day writing away.........
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 8/2/2025 2:38:00 PM
Paula, you are such a sweet, supportive person. Thank you so much. Janice
Date: 8/2/2025 12:46:00 PM
So very beautiful Janice...my mums hands had weathered life's storms....they were little, arthritic and gave me so much comfort and love in my lifetime....l.miss those hands terribly. Debx
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 8/2/2025 12:49:00 PM
Deb, your response made me smile~~and tear up! Thanks so much. Janice
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