If you stopped by my house and saw this winter hat, you would think nothing of it. I live in a cold climate, something anyone would wear during the winter.
But this hat means a lot to me.
Cap
Chapeau
Toque
Hat
There are many names for it.
But this particular one is important.
I wore this when I lost my hair during chemo.
I knew when I got my head shaved I would probably be cold. I usually have long hair and not having any well that was an abrupt change. When I thought about what hat I should get to wear during the winter, to treatment, at home and when I slept I knew I wanted this one.
Under Armour.
I know its a good brand because I wear it when I play hockey. I think I started wearing it before it was the normal thing to do, wear a dry wick material shirt under gear. Bought my first shirt in El Segundo, California, where the Kings train, back when it was called HealthSouth, now its the Toyota Sport Center.
I wore the hat because it not only covered my head, but it reminded me I would get stronger.
Its funny what we cling onto when we go through something like cancer. I imagine other people have trinkets and lucky stuffed animals that they cherish, that to other people look like a knick knack on a shelf, or just another stuffed bear.
But to survivors, these things can mean the world.
To me its a reminder of where I have been, and how far I have come.
Are you wondering do I still have my cap?
Damn right I do.
Check out my podcast The Cancer Warrior on Empoweradio.com
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