06/09/2026
When my Dad was Earthside, he had this hat that he had worn for so many years, there didn’t seem a time that he had not.
It was in all his photos - the fishing and hunting ones; the gold panning ones and later in life, it became his gardening hat.
When he could no longer do any of these things and was left with the only outdoors activity he could manage, the trusty hat became a shade for his face when he sat on the back step in the sun.
Finally, in the last years when he was pretty much armchair bound by his late 80’s, the faithful hat protected him from the glare of the window light while he watched TV.
Dad’s hat had a special hook by the back door, so it was the first thing he reached for as he went outside and the last thing he took off when he went back in.
After my parents passed away, only two weeks apart, and their house was finally emptied of everything they had ever owned and treasured; there was only one more thing I needed to do.
As I left that house for the very last time, I took down from it’s hook, my Dad’s battered old hat.
Dad was not there any more but I believed he was always going to be wherever he hung his hat.
These days, I often glance out my kitchen window while I’m cooking, and I never fail to smile as I catch the sight of dear Dad’s hat hanging in my back porch - now with a companion - my husband’s own well worn version!
These two men never met in life, but I feel like they are really “hanging out” together a lot now lol.
P.s my Dad’s hat is the one on the right. 🤠🤠
~In my mind, you are still sitting on your back step when I walk up the path to your house; your grin broader than the brim of your hat. "Gidday Shaye" you say to me as I approach "I've just picked some silver beet - you want some?" and I groan to myself because you never remember how much I hate it, but Dad, I hope you remember how much I love you..... 💖 ~
Do you have a special possession that belonged to a father figure you love who’s no longer here in the physical?
Something that no-one would give you a cent for, but that means everything to you because of the memories it holds?
Father's day is the perfect day to remember and honour your Dad, Grandad or father figure, so I would love to hear your stories or see your photos😊
✨Shelley✨
