Vulnerability.
This is my entry for the New #MacroPhotography Challenge hosted by 
There is something about the hands of little babies that just melts my heart. Every chubby little finger speaks to me of vulnerability and innocence. It doesn't matter who the baby belongs to, the sight and touch of those small hands releases my strong motherly instincts which has never debated over the years.
I remember the exquisite feeling of having my first born wrap his tiny fingers around one of mine. It was a moment of overwhelming emotion which triggered a deep sense of responsibility and protection towards my baby and every time I reached for his hand and he clasped his fingers around mine it sealed afresh, that very special bond between mother and son.
Of course those exact same feelings occurred at the birth of my second and third sons and again with each one of my seven grandchildren. Perhaps we all view vulnerability in a slightly different light but to me it means, "A state of being where one's safe existence and development depends entirely or partly, on another.
After thinking about this word further, I realize that we all go through periods where we feel very vulnerable. Circumstances can strip a person of their confidence overnight or it can slowly erode over weeks or months if our vulnerability continues despite repeated efforts to receive effective protection and assurance needed to overcome those feelings or situations.
My musings caused me to think of those more likely to become vulnerable in todays society. Babies certainly cannot defend themselves and are completely dependent on their parents until they learn;
(A) How to fend for themselves and,
(B) How to defend themselves.
The sick, the poor the elderly are among the most vulnerable and I am sure that the extent of an individual's vulnerability will depend on how they are exposed to the risks of this happening to them. Even within social groups one can feel isolated, rejected, and bullied and sadly we see far too much of this modern phenomenon affecting people of all ages.
Factors such as different ethnic backgrounds, stress, natural disasters and lack of preparedness for these sudden events can trigger ongoing vulnerability which of course leads to health issues and other real life complications. Everywhere I look, I see people who are hurting. I have not been immune from hurt. And during such times, my pain blinds me to others pain. I read a profound statement once which really impacted me.
"Hurting people hurt other people." Isn't this an accurate assessment of vulnerability? It can become a vicious cycle. Let's not become victims of someone else's vulnerability. This just may be possible if we are willing to take hold of a hand extended towards us in friendship and support or be the one to reach out to those who are feeling vulnerable. It's worth trying isn't it?
THANK YOU FOR VIEWING. HAVE A GREAT DAY.