Unexpected and Lovely

My hands are swollen, 

skin stretched and flushed,

full of pain.

I rest them in my lap, just for a moment,

close my eyes,

and breathe.

A child's voice breaks in:

Mom, can I hold your hand?

I breathe in, out.

Yes. 

My offered hand is not worth much else, 

at the moment,

but it is

taken gently by two smaller ones,

held like a precious gift. 

Suddenly

a kiss lands on my palm,

unexpected and lovely.

A blessing,

A reminder

that I can hold and carry:

the small, sad offering is still worth giving,

like loaves and fishes, multiplied.

All that is needed

is yes.

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