Warm and Welcome Hats

This evening I was with our group of friends who have mental illness.  We meet with this group called Faith and Fellowship every other Monday evening at the Soup Kitchen.  It was quite cold as they were leaving to board the St. Charles bus, and I noticed that “Mary” did not have a hat.  I asked if she’d like one, and showed her a box of hand knitted hats of various colors.  They were thick and warm.  She was delighted as she picked out the one that was just right for her color of coat.  She then declared: “Everything I have on, from top to bottom, has been given to me.”  She went on to describe her shoes and coat, and even her underwear that was given to her by her house manager.  She walked out with the hat pulled snuggly over her ears and a big smile beaming from her face.  I’d like to thank the lady who spends hours knitting those warm and welcome hats—what a gift at this time of year! -Br. Bob