Short Stuff

So through Jordan's and my mom's experience with cancer, two very real needs have come to the surface to me.  One is donations of blood.  Now all those pints I donated through the years had a face.  Jordan needed several since her diagnosis.  The other was donations of hair.  When my mom started treatments and needed a wig, it was a big ordeal.  Now, her wig looks so natural people ask her how she managed not to lose her hair in her treatments!  Her wig was difficult to find, the style took a lot of tweaking, and I think it is a much bigger issue than it was to be expected.  

A couple of weeks ago I tossed around in my head the idea of donating my hair but thought it wasn't long enough.  When I did measure it, though, and it was enough, I felt like I really should, like it was a gift that could help others like Weezie and Jordan who might need a wig someday. My hair was donated to Locks of Love, who makes wigs for children.  Jordan didn't get a wig because she's four and would just think it was itchy, but there are other children in her situation who will need one.  I was going to donate to another organization that makes wigs for women with breast cancer, but their requirements were more strict and they wouldn't have accepted my hair. (too gray!)

My dear friend Kristen's mom, Anita, is also now a member of the breast cancer club, and it's been bittersweet but special to have this in common and go through it together.  Kristen and I have loved hearing how our moms have been calling each other and sharing experiences.  

At least Jeff likes it, or says he does.  His is the only opinion that matters.  He's assured me that I do not look like a lesbian, but more like a middle aged mom--which I realized today that I am.  

I now have a small idea of how an amputee feels.  I am experiencing phantom feelings from "what used to be there."  The muscle memory in my hands still tries to grab the ponytail back there.  My towel turban falls off.  The hairclip I won't need anymore is still on my nightstand and the rubber band I won't need is still on my wrist.  For the record, I am a long-hair person. I've had short hair before, but at least some part of my hair was to or below my chin.  This is actually shorter than I expected it would be.  Tomorrow, I'll be going to get some Mane 'n' Tail shampoo and prenatal vitamins to make my hair grow faster.  But was it worth it?  Absolutely.  I feel a commercial coming on.  

Haircut: $13.99 + tip

Product for short hair: $16.75

Helping a kid feel better about themselves after chemo: priceless

At the salon, Micah kept pointing to the floor and saying, "Mommy's hair!"  Then as we were getting ready for bed, he informed me, "Mommy's hair all gone."

So, Mom, Jordan, and Anita, here's to good hair days no matter how much hair you have!  

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