These hands bear a story.
Once they belonged to a boy who used them to climb, throw and play his way through the tiny, cobblestoned streets of war-torn Europe. Before too many years passed these hands fought in a different war, in a different land against a relentless enemy. Having survived those terrible hours, they eventually held the rail of a ship that made its way toward the New World and the promise of opportunity. It wasn’t long before these hands, in sickness and in health, clasped another’s–a tiny wisp of a girl from Eastern Canada. These were the hands that gave their only son his first bath and over the years held his hand and gave him comfort whenever needed. Never once were they raised in anger; they protected. They toiled at a thankless job for decades; at times they toiled at two jobs to make ends meet. They did these things because that’s what you do for family. Eventually they hugged a newly married son and daughter-in-law. For hours on end these hands helped carry and bounce a colicky baby about the house, they even clumsily began changing diapers again. Now they play endless games with two exhaustingly adoring grandchildren. These hands have done much over the years; they are roughened by honest work and a hard life but are somehow gentler than ever.
These hands bear a story–Dad’s story.
33 Comments
You have such a gift for images and words. I always enjoy your posts. Well done.
Awesome Post.
Love it Chris. Great post.
another really wonderful photo with a intense story inside, it’s really interesting to dicover your news my friend
Amazing how a simple portrait of hands, and some well-chosen words, can say so much.
very nice words to go with this photo ….!
This photo makes me want to cry. He sounds like a very special man.
Very well paired photo and writing. Nice work.
i could tell immediately they were hands that had taken on hard work. heartwarming post.
A fine tribute nicely done. Thank you, Christoper.
Simply superb Chris. You have been blessed to have such a father. Did you inherit your gift for creative writing and photography from him? And your mind for science too? Seems you have been double blessed :^)
Absolutely wonderful – words, emotion and the magnificence of the universal beauty those hands bear, light is gorgeous that offers the story you share, bravo, i enjoy this utterly (sorry i’m less on the photoblogs but don’t forget you !
Touchant, émouvant. Le texte est encore plus fort que la photo. Les mains sont un symbole important. Elles représentent une partie de notre personnalité. Plus précisément, elles sont le prolongement de notre existence. Je salue, comme d’habitude, l’auteur de ce texte et son travail. Mes compliments Christopher.
Your words touched me as much as the picture.
Excellent photo and beautiful words, well done.
Tears flowed after reading this post; a lifetime of loving and living show in this good man’s hands. I would like to hold them! Thank you for this beautiful post.
Excellent photo!
Powerful image, very moving words. Excellent work!
I love old hands, each wrinkle tells a story indeed, so sweet and serene in your beautiful b&w.
Beautiful post Christopher. I almost teared up a bit.
Beautiful post, Christopher. The photo is is perfection.
It’s a rare talent that you have Chris, for sensitive, lyrical words and imagery.
Have a great weekend.
I have to admit you almost had me in tears here…such an emotion piece, so full of expression and stories.
This is so beautiful…I think maybe I ought to do the same the next time I see my father. Thank you for his one Chris.
Like the closeup of the hands, works perfect in b&w Christopher.
What a wonderful lesson in ‘seeing’! Such rich content in such a simple subject, provided, of course, by a vision that looks beyond the obvious. Great post!
Excellent post, and lovely tribute.
wonderful image and beautiful words
Such a loving and beautiful tribute to your father. Love the image of his hands. Brought tears to my eyes..as I read.
A stunning shot, full of history and meaning
bravo
excellent capture of those lined, creased hands which speak the same story you have put in words.
strong and powerful!
fantastic hands, fantastic shot
A beautiful portrait of your fathers hand and a very moving story behind them. Sometimes I feel hands can be equally as expressive as a face, you’ve really shown me that again here.