“The Pile of Hats series” idea began from bedtime stories I would share with my youngest two children.  Before they went to bed I would often take them on a journey, by envisioning a pile of endless number of hats that came in different sizes and shapes.  Each represented a different activity or occupation. I would offer some examples such as Pilot hats, football helmets, a hat a nurse might wear or a hiking hat. After they chose a hat, I would take them on a trip I would create spontaneously.  Each journey would include fun and accomplishments, but they would always have to go through something hard and yet show the determination to finish.  While going through their trials and succeeding their friends and family would celebrate with them. 

This type of storytelling at bedtime had three practical purposes.  One, I loved being a father and I hoped my children would remember the time I spent with them individually. During my early years of being a family physician, I spent many hours at the hospital seeing my clinic patients and doing ER and nocturnist shifts as well. I even left a few months to serve in the military.  Storytelling moments were sacred to me. Second, I wanted to instill in them their power of agency and effort.  To make plans and go to work to see their dreams turn into reality.  Third, If I was really tired, I could shorten the story if I needed to.  

I hope this series of books not only exposes many activities and occupations to young readers but also to the adults who read the book to them.  When I was young, I only knew of a few occupations and few activities.  I grew up in a poor family and didn’t travel. Despite disadvantages as the world may see it, I had a deep confidence that if I studied and worked hard,  many things were possible. I enjoyed school, especially math and sciences. Through education my exposure to possibilities increased.   As I continued decades of being a family doctor, I experienced more joy as I took care of my patients, especially my pediatric patients.  I loved their smiles and got a kick out of the funny things they say.  As they grew into teenagers, I would arm wrestle them or play thinking games to assess their strength and intelligence. I still marvel at their view of the world around them.  I see us all as children, having much to learn but have the ability to accomplish much good in the world around us. 

As an additional benefit reading this series, I hope to expose readers to many cultures and countries.  I grew up in the midwest but while I lived in Hawaii for 2 years, I met many individuals from different cultures. I loved the various languages, food and dance. I fell in love with the polynesians and the other cultures who are represented there including Japanese, Chinese, Marshallese, Filipino and the visiting “mainlanders”. I now find joy in many cultures simply because I have been introduced to them including Indian food, African songs, Mexican desserts, Brazilian BBQ, European dance, Venice beauty and German chocolate for example. Above all, each place is filled with wonderful children and amazing people.

The style of “Pile of Hats” series is in short rhyming stanzas.  I love my wife and during the years we’ve been together I regularly have written her poems.  Each poem must rhyme.  I enjoy the rhythmical sound and the varying stories I get to tell in that style. Whether it's goofy or an expression of love this is my favorite way to write what my heart wants to say. 

 The characters I will be developing for this series will be from two sources. The first is from the lives of my family, friends and patients I have met. The second source is from others  I have yet to meet. I will be inviting readers to reach out to me in regards to their own family members or those they admire and I may add one of their stories to the series as well.  This can be a great one by one tutorial to remind us all that we are part of the human family.

Everyone has a story to tell.  Not only stories of trial or hardship, but of triumph and success.  Success isn’t always about the outcome but it’s also about the progress and experience we get to learn from. We often have many opportunities to serve and help others along the way.  Personally, when it comes to goals, I would always rather reach for the stars, because I’ll get there for many of them. But if I miss a star, I still get to fly and I can always choose a different star or try again.  Or in otherwards, I can wear many hats and if one doesn’t fit, I can always choose another hat!