ladies in hats

In just a few weeks, we will celebrate the sixth anniversary of my mother being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  Perhaps celebrate isn't exactly the right word, or then again, maybe it is.  For one thing, she is still with us and there is no doubting that we are celebrating her life.  Another thing is that Mama's battle with cancer has given her the opportunity to live out the grace of God in a way that is undeniable and in doing so she has inspired those around her.  I don't know that I had truly understood how much of an impact she has had on her friends until she was in the hospital awaiting brain surgery in April.  While we waited, I was able to witness the depth of friendship between Mama and her closest friends, many of whom are in the Sunday School class she has taught for just over 20 years.  I was moved nearly to tears on more than one occasion as I saw and heard one of Mama's friends kneel and pray for her.  I have always felt blessed by the relationship I have with Mama, but in those few days in the hospital, I became even more aware of how God is blessing others through her.  What an amazing legacy.

Today, in a show of support for Mama, her Sunday School class decided that they would all wear hats to church.  In the past, Mama has pretty much always worn a wig when she lost her hair.  But since having surgery, she hasn't wanted to wear the wig anymore and decided that hats were a better solution.  So, she bought some and I crocheted a couple for her and she has worn them most everywhere she goes.  The ladies thought it would be fun to wear hats and all sit together in church in honor of her.  What began as only her class grew into what I would guess was thirty or forty women in church this morning, all proudly wearing their hats.  When Mama told me what was going to be happening, LB and I decided to join in the fun.  I originally planned to wear one of Mama's hats, but ended up buying a new one~which gave me an excuse to buy a new shirt, too ;o) ~and I crocheted a hat to match the outfit LB was wearing.  LB's hat just happened to also match Mama's hat, except where LB's is yellow with white trim, Mama's is white with yellow trim.

Again, I am amazed at the outpouring of love for Mama.  There is no question that she has been an influence on many of the people she goes to church with and I think today she was encouraged by their love and support.  And even though I know God's timing is always perfect, I am also encouraged by the fact that this happened just as Mama is again facing decisions about how to proceed with the treatment of her cancer.  It wasn't a coincidence that the ladies picked today to wear their hats and I am so thankful to know the One who orchestrated this day and allowed me to be a part of it.

Mama with two of her three grand daughters

Some of Mama's Sunday School ladies

more of the SS ladies

Mama with her family (the two ladies on the end are my sisters-in-law)