A special pocket square...

October 26, 8:13 AMDC Men's Style ExaminerMichael Joyner

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Photo courtesy: Michael Joyner

To this day I think he was an angel, because I never saw him enter the train on that chilly fall morning. I was just 2 months removed from my second divorce, and to make matters worse… I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, as the train swayed rhythmically to and fro as it emerged from the darkness of the dank tunnel, there he appeared… at first like an apparition, and then rather majestic. He had a signature-style that was all his own. He wore a black cashmere newsboy cap with a black & white herringbone blazer embellished with a pink silk Hermés pocket square.

For the balance of the ride, I sat across from him and his presence ushered an air of calm into my spirit as I sat fixated on the pink pocket square. Then I closed my eyes for a beat to say a silent prayer, but when I opened my eyes he wasn’t there.  My heart began to feel a bit heavy, and my eyes even began to get a little glassy. Then just as I tilted the weight of my head back seeking refuge in the cold vinyl seat cushion, a heavy, but a soothing voice laced with a thick southern charm startled me, ‘excuse me ma’am, are you okay?’ I turned and at once my jaw fell into my lap as the ‘majestic one’ sat next to me looking into my eyes. I stared at him for seemingly as long as Redskin’s fans have carried the bitter taste of defeat (yes, it felt like an eternity).

Again, I felt as if every care in the world had fled from my being as I tried to speak, ‘…but how—‘. Interrupting me, he took my hand inside the warmth and comfort that was his own as he spoke softly, ‘it’s okay… do you mind if I pray with you?’ I nodded yes, and we bowed our heads. As the train labored along, the clattering sound was enveloped by the warmth of his voice as he administered the most beautiful prayer I had ever heard. As he said, amen, my heart smiled, and I opened my eyes. Again, he was gone, but his pink Hermés pocket square was lying in the seat. I looked at it for a moment and then picked it up and clutched it in my hands as my spirit filled with the words from his prayer, ‘by His stripes you are healed.’ I began to repeat it over and over again as the train reached my stop.

As I crossed the street, my faith lead the way. Inside the doctor’s office, I sat amongst the other patients waiting for my name to be called. My eyes surveyed the room, and I saw an array of beautiful women sitting with varying degrees of concern and uncertainty.  I looked at each one and wondered what their individual stories were; then my name was announced interrupting my thoughts.  As I stood and made my way to the office, I noticed one beautiful woman with a crop of silver gray curls that struggled to mask her youthful appearance. I could tell she had been through some pain, but she had a resiliency that fortified her. As I walked past her, I gently touched her shoulder and left the pink Hermés pocket square there. 

As I entered the doctor’s office, he stood there perplexed as he reviewed my x-rays. I smiled knowingly as he explained to me that the lump in my breast had vanished from the images. I looked at him and pointed to the heavens and winked as I exited his office. In the lobby the woman was holding the pocket square as she looked at me in bewilderment. I mouthed the words, ‘by His stripes you are healed’ to her and continued on my way. The woman smiled at me as I exited.  

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), this article serves as a small gesture to celebrate all who have been affected by this disease, and to encourage you to keep fighting... you are not alone.

To all the men out there, make it a point to stand in unison with the women who continue to battle this awful disease by wearing something pink, and when asked about it... just tell them you're standing with your DC Men's Style Examiner for the cause.

To find a pink pocket square, check the retailers below...

• Carrot & Gibbs silk pocket square in luxurious hand rolled silk. Everard's Clothing carries a full line of Carrot & Gibbs pocket squares and other accessories.
• Hermés Faconnee pocket square in hand rolled silk. Available at Hermés shops. $130

Click on the links below for a look at some articles outlining key pieces for your fall wardrobe.

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