Hands

             In the fifteenth century there were two brothers. Both brothers had a dream to one day study art in Nuremberg. Because they belonged to a family of eighteen children it was nearly impossible for their father, despite his successful business as a gold smith, to pay for their art education.  Understanding the great cost associated with studying art in Nuremberg the brothers devised a plan. While one brother was away studying art the other would work in the mines to pay for the education. They flipped a coin and the younger brother won.
            So the younger brother went to Nuremberg and began his studies while the older brother faithfully worked four long years in the mines to support his younger brother. By the the end of the fourth year the younger brother was already making a good living with the commissions he completed and he had established quite a reputation with his oil paintings. When he returned to his home his father threw a celebratory fest to honor his now famous son, the artist.
            At the close of the dinner the younger brother rose to toast his brother who had worked in the mines for four long years to support the artist through his education.
             "And now my dear brother, it is your turn. I will begin working to support you through your studies in Nuremberg," Said the younger brother holding his glass up high to toast.
              His older brother simply looked at him with tears in his eyes and said, "No... that time has passed. During my four years working in the mines I have smashed almost everyone of my fingers and now my hands are so full of arthritis that I cannot even hold glass to return your toast."
              Because of his older brother's sacrifice Albrecht Durer was able to create some of the most beautiful paintings in the world. To honor his brother's sacrifice Albrecht Durer painted his brothers hands. He entitled the work, Praying Hands.

Praying Hands by Albrecht Durer

                  Saturdays are Spa days in the Memory Lane Wing here at the Sunshine Terrace. Early in the morning we gather our female residents to paint their nails and converse with them one on one. Today I couldn't help but wonder what these hands I was working with used to do. Many of them were mother's hands; many worked long hours to support a family and others worked to teach children in school. No matter whose hands I worked with, those hands told a story. Now many of them are crippled with arthritis and other problems, but they are still wonderful hands.
                   We have many activities her at Sunshine Terrace to keep hands and minds active.

                With each activity I have noticed something very remarkable about some of the hands here at the Sunshine Terrace. Some of our residents now lack the ability to do much for themselves any more, but they still come to activities to socialize with their peers. At these activities other hands help them participate. Many of these hands come from our wonderful volunteer force, but many also come from the residents helping other residents.

                Just today I witnessed as one resident in a wheelchair went to fetch a glass of water for another resident who couldn't do it for herself. The next thing I knew, the first resident lifted the cup of water to her friend's lips and patiently helped her drink from the cup.

               When I commented on how nice it was, the woman with the helping hands simply stated, "Well, she would have done the same thing for me if she could. I am her friend."

                 There are many wonderful hands at the Sunshine Terrace. They have experience and life in them. I am grateful to witness them in action each day I come to work.