Just after I turned 17, my mother, father, and I were walking through a fancy department store headed to meet my brother at the food court. I can remember clearly that my dad slowed his stride and picked up two very fancy, very beautiful hats and said, “every lady needs a good hat.”

We had just moved to The Woodlands, Texas and I was feeling anything but beautiful. I had a rough adjustment and wasn’t exactly sure how to find my footing again.

He placed one hat on my head and one on my mothers. He looked at us for a moment and said, “yup, perfect.” He took them off our heads and walked directly to a register.

I felt so incredibly fancy, a little silly, and completely surprised. Dad is very generous with his acts of service. He will paint your mailbox, fix every squeaky door hinge, take your car in for an oil change, and tidy your backyard before the sun has risen. But purchasing an unnecessary, beautiful accessory?

Over the next few years, he bought a few more, and I have a small collection of amazing hats.

Mary Alice found them on the top shelf of the closet the other day. I hesitated when she asked me for one, but I decided to sit down and explain that they were special to me. If she could show me that she would treat them gently, she could wear them.

Needless to say, she looked adorable and I’m so glad I said yes. As I watched her smile, I remembered exactly how I felt that day when dad thought I needed a hat. Thank you, daddy.