Since the photo of me in my orange bucket hat appeared in the Gazette last week, I’d like to share the story of that hat. Seth Wood, who was the grandson of one of my cousins and who was from Auburn, WA., was diagnosed about a year ago with glioblastoma, the same type of aggressive brain cancer John McCain has. Seth was 15 at the time, a terrific baseball player who loved the outdoors. As word spread about his illness, the support for him and his family surpassed amazing. And as he made battle with the disease he never complained and remained steadfast in his love of God and family. Each year on the same day and in the same place, he and his dad and older brother fished together. This last year as they did so, they found someone who reminded them it was
Each year on the same day and in the same place, he and his dad and older brother fished together. This last year as they did so, they found someone who reminded them it was bear season and to use caution. So Seth decided they needed some hunter orange, and the bucket hat is what he chose. Seth’s battle ended earlier this summer, but he left a legacy that propelled his baseball team to victory and encouraged the wearing of the hats at his memorial services. I couldn’t be there, but I do have the hat to remember him by.
His goal for this summer was to summit Mt. Rainier, and that occurred recently as his dad and brother took his ashes to the top. I’m not really sure the hat is my style, but since it was Seth’s, the orange bucket hat stays.
Nina Wood
