19 April 2011

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.

31 comments:

  1. LOVE your new look and what a great thing you did!! I have rather long hair and have often thought about donating it! I just might do it sometime soon!! Praying for you mom!!

    Jen

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  2. so sorry to hear about your mom. that must be incredibly tough. but your hair looks so cute! what a wonderful thing to do :)

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  3. So sweet, I'm growing mine out to donate to pantene beautiful lengths in honor of my brother-in-law that had cancer.

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  4. my grandma had breast cancer and i shaved my head for her and donated my hair. she is now doing fine four years later. praying for you and your mom and family.

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  5. You look lovely. My daughter's friend (age 8) has leukemia. We're growing her hair out to donate on his behalf, and I also donated my hair last summer. May you family feel God's love at this time.

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  6. you look beautiful!
    praying for your mom
    what an awesome thing to do in support of her.

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  7. Your hair COMPLETELY suits you! you look fantastic. Praying for your Momma!!

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  8. Your hair looks adorable. That is so awesome that you donated it. I'll definitely keep your mom in my prayers. I went through the same thing two years ago with my mom. Thanks for sharing!

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  9. I love your hair ~ and for such a great cause! My husband has participated in St. Baldrick's events for the last 4 years {a wonderful children's cancer research org.} and this year, my mom participated as well. She shaved HER hair ~ and loves it!! You are very brave and selfless. I'm sure your mom is very proud of you as well! <3

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  10. Wow, you look so cute with your new haircut, Laura! I did the same thing 4 years ago (only I didn't get it cut quite that short, just jaw-length) and it was so fun! I'm planning to cut my hair to donate it again, but am trying to get longer than the 10" I donated last time. :-)
    Thanks so much for sharing this. I will keep your mom, and you as well, in my prayers!
    Much love in Jesus,
    ~Traci

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  11. Your new 'do' is perfect on you. Just lovely. I"m thinking of you and your mom!

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  12. Oh Laura, what a beautiful thing to do! I will be praying for your mom, and you look GORGEOUS!

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  13. Your new haircut is soooo great Laura!! You look just darling. ;) I think the fact that you donated it is so great.
    We will be keeping your mom and your family in our prayers!

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  14. You look wonderful! I think the short hair suits you better than the long did. So so cute!

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  15. First of all, you look great! Second of all, how incredible selfless of you! My little sister had cancer a few years ago and while I cut my hair shorter, I didn't shave my head (like my Dad did for her). But I've always said that if that beast of cancer comes back, I'm shaving it.

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  16. what a wonderful gesture! i will be praying for your family! and your hair also looks great!

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  18. You look great! I'm praying for your family.

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  19. What a wonderful thing to do! Your hair looks great! I will pray for your mom and family!

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  20. First of all, I am praying for your mom. He is in control. That's something that I'm learning day by day. Second, your hair is adorable. Suits you so well! :-)

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  21. I really, really like it!!! I'm enjoying my long hair as I typically had it short through my teenage and college years. I have thought of donating my hair once it gets long enough. Maybe....!

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  22. Your haircut is beautiful, and what a beautiful thing for you to do. I will pray for your mom.

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  23. You look beautiful! The cut is super flattering and it really is a beautiful gesture of love.

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  24. You look wonderful! I have donated before to locks of love and it always feel so good knowing someone else will be able to use it. You mother is in my family's prayers. My father in law went through a similar ordeal when he was diagnosed with cancer. It really brought our family together. He is an amazing man and has been such an example of God's Love to us. I pray for you and for your family.

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  25. I actually was thinking about cutting my hair off a few weeks ago and then started thinking about growing it a little bit longer so that when I did cut it off I could donate it. Now I'm definitely going to do it.
    Love the hair cut!!!

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  26. You look great! You're obviously a lucky person who suits long or short hairstyles.

    You are also an amazing person and I my thought and prayers are with your mother x x x

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  27. I love it! It's absolutely adorable on you.

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  28. I saw this on Twitter & thought "oh my goodness! she looks fab!" & yes you do :)

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  29. I think your haircut is super cute.

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Thank you for coming along for the ride with me. Your comments make my day!