Day 14 of 30

This hat is a token. It represents service to our country, a son returned home to safety, and a mother who sleeps soundly because the hat is in her house these days, no longer in a place she dared not imagine for nearly two years.
Once the property of the US Army and her son, the hat now belongs to his mom, my co-worker. She wears it every now and then, when she and her husband take road trips in their convertible. I like the thought that the convertible and the hat are reserved for these special, sunny occasions. 
When Mimi heard I was painting the stuff of memories during this 30 day challenge,  she thought perhaps this would be useful.
I admit, I looked at it for nearly a week before daring to paint it. What an honor to have it in my studio, and an even bigger honor to paint it. I considered where it's been, what's it's witnessed. But I couldn't get past what it must have meant to my friend to receive it, and how generous she is to share it with me. 
Sgt. Michael Chesna, thank you for your service. And thanks to your mother for loaning it to me. 

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Home Again, Oil on Panel, 6"x6", SOLD