[at-l] Fleece hats mailed today

[agaudet at theworld.com (Arthur Gaudet)]

I had made extras once I knew I was going to Kincora. But then the hikers were all passed Bob's and at Ms. Janet's for an advertised T'Giving dinner... So I brought the hats  to them. Not knowing how I'd be welcomed I stood in the doorway and said I have some free stuff for hikers. About 8 were gathered in the front room and only one stepped forward to see the hats, then another, etc. After a bit everyone was trying hats on, handing them back and forth, surprisingly kind to one another - making sure everyone was getting a hat. One guy said he already had a hat but would I mind if he took one, it was warmer and he was getting cold with his! In general I think it hit the tone I was trying for, showing some support for the forgotten SoBos at the time of year when everyone is focussed on other things. 

My 78 yo Mom is helping with the project. She doesn't exactly understand how the hikers appreciate these things but she's getting there. About 2 years ago she was attending a workshop near the AT in TN (somewhere just west of Brasstown Bald) so I told her to look for dirty, tired hikers along the road. She stopped and talked to 2 hikers, offered them some fruit, and was surprised at just how grateful & nice they were. "it was only a couple of apples, I wish I had more to give them..."  Last year she really enjoyed getting cards from the hat recipients, noting they were coming from all over the US.

--RD
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Leslie Booher 
  To: agaudet@TheWorld.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2003 10:44 PM
  Subject: Re: [at-l] Fleece hats mailed today


  Thanks.  I can't wait!  I was really jealous when you said that you'd been handing them out at Miss Janet's.  I was afraid that you'd given away my hat!  <G>  Make that a broad <G>.  anklebear