Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by Lisa Keys
Notes on grief and healing today. My son wore many hats throughout his life. He simply loved to wear a hat. From a Davy Crockett coonskin as a child to a Stetson as a teen he sure didn't mind messing up his hair.
When he wasn't wearing those he chose from a variety of helmets and caps he kept neatly in his closet. From time to time I sit quietly holding a few of his hats. I love them and being among them has a healing effect.
So, when the cardboard boxes of his things arrived from Camp Le Jeune I was anxious about what I would find inside. Did you guess more hats? Yes, he wore many hats in the military.
I close my eyes running my fingers over the seams and emblems hoping a few memories will send my heart soaring like the eagle offering courage to face, yet, another day without him. Notes on grief? It's okay to hold on to their stuff.
Be a trooper. Be strong. Have courage. March forward. You, too can do this.
Do you need a little pick me up? Try something nourishing like my chicken tortilla soup.
cookinformyboys says
💔
Lisa says
I thought it important to preserve his military hats in photos. Do you ever sit in a room with your son's things? Quiet time with him is more of a good 😊 thing than sad.
Mary Shivers says
Lisa, your words always bring me to tears! I feel the deep sadness and agony you bear in what you share, but those very personal snippets of your life are also incredibly inspiring for me and so many others. I am thrilled and truly honored to have you as my friend.
Lisa says
If nothing else I hope I show others it is possible to move forward and thrive. You are most dear to me my friend. ❤️
Marcie says
Lisa, I know how hard it is for you! I don't know how you bare this weight with such grace. You are an inspiration to me, and you help me to understand that we will get through another day.
Lisa says
Marcie you are stronger than you think and while in your presence have felt nothing, but grace. The truth is we know how to put on a great show to make others comfortable. We are lucky that folks want to surround us with love and support. Keep celebrating your Harrison and let the whole world know what a kind, talented and much loved human he was and is. <3
karemack74 says
I remember some of those hats 🎩♥️
Sent from my iPhone
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Krista says
I love to sit with Aidan's things. Kyle, Molly and I still wear many of his favorite clothes. Yesterday, I got to enjoy my neighbor's kids playing with his Legos. It's nice to have his things with us everyday. Not a shrine, but used and loved. ❤️
Lisa says
It's like a warm hug whenever I put on William's sweatshirt and I bet you feel the same sense of joy