In Our Hands

7 May 2026

Yesterday was a long day.

Beyond my daytime job, I picked up my child from traineeship, ran errands, cooked dinner, and washed the dishes. And then there was the extra task I had taken on—fixing the kitchen sink by applying a new sealant.

It was meant to be a weekend job, but I realised the pipe below the tap was leaking. It would never fully dry for the sealant to set properly. Still, I had already left it for a few days, and water had begun to collect underneath the sink. So after dinner, I decided to fix it.

My younger son stayed with me and helped. His company made the task lighter—it was such a sweet moment to share.

By the time everything was done, I lay down, completely exhausted. And then a simple thought came to me: throughout those twelve-plus hours, I had used my hands constantly. Without them, how could I have done any of it?

They are such an important part of us, yet so easily taken for granted.

We use our hands to work, to fix, to cook, to care. Through them, we create convenience for one another. Through them, we build the world we live in.

We’ve just passed Labour Day, and perhaps this is part of its meaning—to appreciate each other’s work, and to respect every role, every effort, and every pair of hands that helps shape our lives.