“I am becoming the fun grandmother I always wanted. I was the mean, tough parent while my husband was the fun, wonderful parent. We balanced out. I am changing that up with my grandkids so they can have good times with me. I don’t care what my grandson eats or if we stay up an hour later on Saturday nights. 

I love costumes but never wear them. I ordered this cute Mrs. Claus dress because wearing it could be fun one day. My co-worker texted me a reminder this week that we were supposed to wear red or green to work. I had picked out something navy blue. I put on the Mrs. Claus dress and went to our office at Southern Cancer Center.  I run Anchor Cross Cancer Foundation where we help cancer patients pay their bills while they’re going through treatment. 

I thought dressing up could make a few cancer patients happy. I was embarrassed at first, but surprised by the response and how patients talked to me. I stayed dressed up for shopping and a girlfriend dinner date with my co-worker; people kept talking to me. My friend said, ‘Do you know how much joy you are bringing to people today?’ It felt so good that I decided to wear the dress a little more this season. I am far from Mrs. Claus, but I learned to put candy canes in my purse. If kids stop and talk, they need a treat.

There are many hard things we can’t fix, but we can spread joy. There’s a line from the Monster’s Inc. movie that says laughter provides just as much energy for the city as screams, so why not laugh? 

All of this started because I needed something red to wear to work. It may even grow—if something is good, more is better. I’m getting older and less energetic about decorating. It’s time to take joy in a different direction.”

Joan

More from Joan about Anchor Cross Foundation: “We have a survivor’s float in the Shadow Barons parade during Mardi Gras. We also have a masquerade ball each June. Every cancer patient in treatment over the last six months can attend for free. It’s a celebration that they are surviving today. I discovered working with nonprofits at 50 and learned this is where God wants me.”