The Purple Hat

This purple hat with its flower

So soft, so warm

Came from the Hahne Cancer Center

I picked it up once just inside the door

You see my grandmother was diagnosed with rectal cancer back in March of ‘15           

And by May of that same year the chemo affected her and me

As her hair started falling out

I had my head shaved so she wouldn’t feel alone

Finding the hat at the center the same day she picked out hers was such a humbling moment

Just like every moment in the chemo room is humbling and eye opening

For these aren’t sick people you see

These are not experiments

They are people like you and me

The chemo room looks like a breath taking aquarium

Even the mobile IV pole has something cute hanging from it

Meals get donated from a local restaurant

And there are always sweets and coffee on hand

The staff is wonderful

The TV’s work fine

And most generally the other patients are kind

Some sleep or watch the tube

Some like to read

Some stare off into space

And there were times when my grandmother and I would play Skip-Bo

What a time that made for

We inspired others

And always said, “Good-bye” as we walked out the door

To drive my grandmother to her appointments

To witness first hand what she went through

Oh, that purple hat saw many things

And at times it would stick to my head

And as soon as hair started coming back

I would shave it all off again

Sometimes I’d pull off a mohawk

Even coloring it green

But I preferred to be clean shaved

And wear my hat with dignity

My grandmother’s hat is white

And it has a flower, too

The best news it that we don’t need them now

As her chemo time is through

My grandmother was deemed cancer free in ‘16

And what a blessed lady is she as she has beaten cancer four times

We still take good care of our hats

I wear mine when it is cold out

But we are thankful for our hair

And the victory God has bestowed upon us!

1/3/17