These strong hands that hold me close and save me from a fall from grace and dignity but that's certainly not all . . . They comfort me in times of need and though they are not soft, they secure me from the fires and carry me aloft. Big and thick and powerful - most people just cant see how feeling them caress my skin is not a threat to me. These strong hands that struggle so to have a gentle touch - when you rely upon them, they mean so very much. Let me then soothe them and protect them with this oil for tomorrow they once again must be used to toil through all the tasks that have made them callus, not unkind. These strong hands are yours and you, my love, are mine.
for Marc. please read it at my funeral.