Hands of Love

Sparrow Daenitz

Mixed Media – digitally enhanced photo, canvas paper, acrylic gel medium

A child bows, takes his grandfather’s hand, and presses it to his forehead. In that gesture is love, gratitude, and respect. He is keeping their culture alive, one mano po at a time.

I didn’t want to wash my right hand after all the “mano pos” because it was holding the warmth of small, foreheads. The truth is, those touches are forever imprinted on my heart.

(The Heartache & the Blessing): This boy called me “Grandma” from the first day. When it was time for me to leave, he sobbed and held on to me as if love alone could keep me from going back to America.