If the hat fits, wear it.

My brother John is a goodhearted man who does kind things for others. He makes rings out of dollar bills for waitresses, and rings out of higher denominations for elderly aunts. He does fantastic origami designs and gives them to children. He makes wonderful creations out of paper or cardboard. He is probably the most creative person I know. He often donates his creations to his local library, schools, day cares and individuals. I'm thinking Mom sparked our creativity.

When we were little kids, she showed us how to fold a page of the newspaper to make a boat. I was amazed to discover when placed upon the head, it looked like Robin Hood's hat. A simple piece of newspaper became a fascinating plaything for my brother and me.

When Mom would get upset with someone she'd say, "Oh, he talks like a man with a paper hat."

I always thought she meant a newspaper Robin Hood hat. I didn't understand what she meant until I was older and Dad told us stories about his childhood in the early 1920s. He was the class clown in school and often had to sit in front of the class wearing a paper cone hat... a dunce cap. 

I finally got it! I understood Mom's remark. 

I've heard some bizarre comments lately by an influential person. One thing I heard with my own ears was, "Enjoy yourself." 

This was spoken to a person dealing with the aftermath of hurricane devastation. Normally I would rant and rave to my hubby about this person's insensitive remarks. But now all I can think is, "He talks like a man with a paper hat." 

And it's not a Robin Hood hat!

I imagine my mom winking at me from heaven.