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There are some people whose joy of life is expressed in the most interesting ways. So often, those folks also manage to touch and uplift others. One of those special people who deserves acknowledgement is known in my town as the Crazy Hat Lady.

The Crazy Hat Lady works in a grocery store. Middle aged and a single mother, her life is far from being glamorous or easy. But she has attracted many shoppers into the store-and probably retained even more-with a practice of wearing her own line of crazy hats. She is one of the first people customers notice. Often, jaws drop open and kids yelp in amusement. She’s used to the pointing fingers and the questions. The Crazy Hat Lady thinks it’s a hoot.

How can a clerk’s simple action of wearing crazy hats increase the store’s clientele? It’s probably because society doesn’t expect to see a check-out lady wearing them, just like it does not expect to see that grown woman having so much fun. Her hats are a conversation piece, which, after so many years, has allowed the Crazy Hat Lady to be on a first name basis with the regulars.

The Crazy Hat Lady’s name is Dominique, and after noticing her hat of the day, you notice her eyes. Her eyes are constantly twinkling because they have learned to find the humor and fun in the little details of life. Her eyes stand out because her hair is tucked up under her hat. This hat can only be described as a work of art. It’s said that customers go into the store just to see which hat she is wearing that day. Her wardrobe of caps, berets, visors and wide-brimmed straw hats is extensive. Questions about them draw shoppers to her particular check out station, even when she is working in the deli. Her hats are always the subject of much conversation and laughter. It’s not just her hats that are the source of levity; her effervescence affects almost everyone. After all, how can anyone do business with someone who is wearing a crazy hat and not comment on it?

However, some people consider themselves too “dignified” to acknowledge something they view as inane, or perhaps they’re having bad days. It doesn’t bother Dominique; she will continue to provide excellent customer service even to those who look askance at her.

Some of the crazy hats look ready to topple over, however, creating the mystery of how so much on the hats is secured. For example, a large, black witch’s hat is covered with 3-D ghosts, goblins and spider webs, which extend over her ears, as well as spooky toys upon close examination. No holiday throughout the year is ever forgotten or given second-rate status, and Dominique makes sure that she includes every secular decoration available. In between the holidays, she dons an array of professional team sports hats, in addition to hunting, fishing and various other hobby and activity-based theme hats.

Anything that can start a conversation, especially funny and out of the ordinary, deserves special merit. Dominique has realized that we need as many laughs as we can find, and has found a way to give them to us. She probably has many other things to do than glue designs on hats for the fun of it. But that’s the point: fun. She’s not afraid to look silly to generate amusement. She obviously enjoys bringing laughs to others and the face under the crazy hat is always smiling.

Even though the Crazy Hat Lady isn’t making and wearing her hats to get a thank you, hundreds appreciate her effort. It makes their day a little lighter and a little more bearable. She has the guts to make and wear crazy hats that bring more joy to life.

Dominique has proven that anyone can make a positive difference in others’ lives. She does not have public status or cover-girl beauty, but people know her because she makes them forget their problems. By expressing herself with a hat, she changes moods for the better.

We are lucky to have a Crazy Hat Lady. Hopefully, Dominique will receive joy in return for providing us with many happy moments. We need more crazy hats in our lives.