Bittersweet Goodbye Part 2 [virtual coffee]

If we were meeting for coffee today, the first thing you'd notice would be my new haircut.

I got it all chopped off.

I didn't do it for vanity. Or for the summer. Or for something new.

I did it for my mom.

A few month ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

I have done a lot of denying and crying and asking God why. Now, instead of asking why, I'm asking how. How can we use this experience to grow closer as a family and closer to God?

After doing research on cancer and chemo, I started to think a lot about hair and the value we place on it. The value I placed on it. I spend more time looking at myself in the mirror than I care to admit. And why? I hide behind my hair. For me, long hair got to be a safety net. As strange as it sounds, I felt protected with long hair.

[picture by Ashley Hasty]

But why do I care so much?

Did you know that it take around 6 ponytails to create a wig?

So I cut my hair for my mom and for others who are losing theirs. 

[I would have shaved my head if my mom wouldn't have been mad.]

And it was fabulous!

[pictures by Ashley Hasty]

I almost feel guilty by how much I love my hair!

Please keep my mother, Peggy, in your prayers. She's amazing and I know that God has his healing hands upon her. 

***

I donated my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths

Some things to know if you're thinking of donating [from the website]

• DO use a conditioner after every wash to help keep hair moisturized and protected against damage.
• DON'T use a brush on wet hair when you step out of the shower; once hair is washed and conditioned, use a comb with smooth, wide-set teeth to gently detangle hair, working from tip to root.
• DO use a spray, leave-in conditioner for extra protection when using heated hair appliances.
• DON'T attempt to blow-dry soaking wet hair immediately; to expedite your blow-out process and help prevent thermal damage, towel-wrap your hair for 10-15 minutes and remove excess water before using a blow-dryer.
• DO look for new technology in your drying and styling tools to help minimize damage.
• DO use a root-lifter spray to achieve volume; avoid excessive teasing of hair, as it can uplift cuticles, making them fragile and susceptible to breakage.
• DON'T overbrush hair; despite the common myth that 100 strokes a day are good for hair, this can lead to breakage. Regular, gentle brushing promotes hair health and natural oil distribution.
• DO use deep-conditioning treatments once a week, or as often as needed, to help minimize split ends and keep hair in top condition.
• DON'T wait more than eight weeks to get hair trimmed; regular salon visits are essential in keeping hair healthy and beautiful.

It's so easy to donate. Go here for more information.