My hand

[wdfifteen]

We observed my 76th birthday a few days ago. Vicki invited friends and family over and they had a nice time. I love them all. After the good-bye hugs were hugged and all was quiet, I sat alone at my desk, and I noticed my hand. I began thinking about the 76 years we’ve shared. Remembering the babies it’s carried, women it’s caressed, and yes, the glasses of beer it has raised. It all seems so far away.
I have terribly neglected and abused my hands, along with the rest of my body. I worked them hard. I should be happy they’ve stuck by me all these years. But I’m kind of pissed. The muscle in my thumb is atrophied from disuse due to the arthritis pain. The skin is wrinkled, veins protruding - the hard callouses and grease-packed nails are memories – like so many others. My hands, like the rest of my body, are betraying me, turning me old when I’m not ready. I look at my hand and it’s suddenly, inexplicably the hand of an old man. How could this be?

[Zeke]

That looks like a senior hand model hand. You should see mine. I couldn't lay either one flat on the table like that any more than I can walk on water.

[vash]

That’s a good hand. Complete! I’ll tip a glass to your life well lived.

[Bob Kontak]

[QUOTE=vash;12660464]That’s a good hand. /QUOTE]

+1

I'm tearing up. Clearly, I am as gay as a $3 bill

Outstanding. That hand has been your wingman for many years.

[herr_oberst]

Nothin' wrong with that hand that I can see.

You a southpaw?

According to a mythbusters story, it turns out people really do recognize the back of their own hand, pretty much instantly.

[stevej37]

[Scott Douglas]

Sorry, couldn't resist.
My hand is about 1 year younger than yours having celebrated 75 years with me a month ago.
I feel lucky that I still have all my digits, and they function 'as designed' still.

[Baz]

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I am sure that your hand thanks God everyday that it's connected to you. It could tell us all a lot, with pride.

[Baz]

Don't you guys ever clean your fingernails?

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Baz

Don't you guys ever clean your fingernails?

They don't carry knives with a pen blade...

That said, mine has more wrinkles...

[Evans, Marv]

That hand looks great. Be thankful it's stood with & served you all your life, and you still have command of it. I've got almost eight years on you and mine look much worse.

[porsche tech]

42 years of wrenching 5 days a week and 79 years of age and still operates without pain and still has all it’s parts. No complaints.

[gregpark]

53 years of power saws 5 days a week and still operates with limited pain and the majority of its parts!

[LWJ]

While some of y'all may mourn the lovely hands of your youth, I went to see my 60 year old buddy today. Missing a foot and a toe from diabetes. Unconscious after a nasty stroke. Won't ever wake again. His hand may have been prettier than yours, but I promise, he would trade places with any of you no matter the situation. He will be gone in a few days. It was a hard, unpleasant reminder: I have it really good. And so do you.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by LWJ

While some of y'all may mourn the lovely hands of your youth, I went to see my 60 year old buddy today. Missing a foot and a toe from diabetes. Unconscious after a nasty stroke. Won't ever wake again. His hand may have been prettier than yours, but I promise, he would trade places with any of you no matter the situation. He will be gone in a few days. It was a hard, unpleasant reminder: I have it really good. And so do you.

If he doesn't wake...it'll be a blessing. I don't think I'm being heartless saying this. Just know all too well it's a sad and lousy situation.

[gregpark]

I actually like my old hands better than my youthful hands. They exhibit more experience and yes, I still have all my fingers ha ha

[gregpark]

Weird, I can make a straight line from thumb to pinky 10" I should have learned to play the piano

[Bugsinrugs]

74 years old. Broken pinky and two with severe arthritis. Abused but still working.

[Steve Carlton]

The Vashiness of this thread is strong.