Mama’s Hands was written over a period of 2 months or so and began literally on a moment when I saw Mama for the first time in months (covid) and she touched my face before giving me a kiss.

Mama is 87 years old and while still mentally very sharp, suffers with a very bad back.  As Papa is also 87, I have the opportunities to go to their home for a week at a time once a month to just be there with them.  It’s like going on retreat; renewing, refreshing, intimate and deeply moving. 

When Mama touched my face two months ago, I felt a surge of memories, emotion and gratitude go through my body and heart.  I was being touched by the old, frail hands of the one who first touched my face 67 years ago, the hands who made lunches for school every day for five of us for close to 15 years.  The hands that held us close and at times, gave us some paddlings when deserved.  Most importantly I was feeling the hands that delivered the love that we needed to grow, feel cared for, the touch of family.  Mama’s hands are gifts of love.

I hope this song resonates with you and, if you have any other experiences to share, please do below. 

David