Three weeks from today.
That is when I will be losing my hair.
Funny thing, but it seems to bother those around me more than it does me.
My husband initially said – “Good~! Go for it! It is a great cause.” But last night he said that he thinks he is going to get a shirt made that says – “Love is blind.”
My sister has been supportive throughout but last night said “you do know we come from a long line of “not good looking” heads? What are you planning? To wear hats, scarves?”
My friends look at me with a look I can’t quite decipher to go along with the query
“Really? You are REALY going to shave your head?”
I think that everyone is starting to realize that I am going to be milling around them, bald and they are not sure how to feel about that.
I have not dwelled on it.
A year ago, when I made the decision to do this, it was instantaneous - I knew I needed to help. The decision came from within and felt right. I have not once, since that night, really focused on how I am going to feel bald or how I will look. I know it will not be attractive, I know that I will resemble Ziggy with a double chin, but that really isn’t what this is all about.
I have tried to think instead about the women and children and of course men out there who have no choice in the matter. They lose their hair in what must seem to them the ultimate in a series of indignities as they deal with the treatment for the disease which can be at times worse than the disease itself.
They don’t have a choice. Their hair starts to fall out in clumps until they wear hats to cover the gaps or they shave their heads to make it look even. Their baldness is forced upon them.
Then they have to deal with the public, sometimes whispering and pointing, sometimes just plain staring but mostly insensitive to that individual’s plight - the fact that they did not choose to lose their hair and would much rather NOT have to deal with this particular side effect.
I choose to lose my hair.
I choose to shave my head in solidarity with all those who don’t have the choice.
I choose to shave my head to raise money for research.
Every little bit helps and one day we will get to the place where everyone has a choice.
**********
Rock on, Sister Friend!
ReplyDeletePam - after spending the last year dealing with the shocking reality affects of alopecia, and having 1/2 a bald head instead of being known for my long, dark hair, and being known as the
ReplyDeletePantene girl for the last 44 years, I must say that I am so proud of what you are doing, and thankful I am not losing my hair due to the treatments for cancer. I consider myself very lucky, and you, my friend, and sister-in-law, very courageous. I support all your efforts, and I bet you will be just as beautiful in a scarf as your heart is on the inside. Good luck!