1: a looped strap sewed at the side or the rear top of a boot to help in pulling it on

2: plural: unaided efforts-often used in the phrase by one's own bootstraps

Mirriam-Webster

Pulling oneself up by one's own bootstraps originally signaled an impossible feat; because, after all, it is impossible to pull oneself upright by pulling on the leather tab at the top of a boot. You can pull your boots on, but that's about it. Nonetheless the phrase has come to symbolize self-reliance. But no one really makes it on their own-we receive Grace and assistance from Above and from all around us-family, teachers, friends, and yes, even strangers we'll never meet.

Recently, while serving dinner at a homeless shelter, a mother let me hold her only-months-old infant while she tried to eat her meal. I walked around cooing and chatting, trying to convince a tired, hungry baby that he'd rather be in my arms than cradled in his mother's lap being fed. Of course it didn't last, but Mom was able to sneak in a few bites while her food was still warm-and I had a smile that lasted well into the next day.

Radiant Hands gives Mothers-Fathers and Grandparents too-the time they to catch their breaths before they start all over again.