Hair Cut!

So, I finally did it! I cut it all off! My hair that is! I am 8" shorter and about a 100lbs. lighter! Okay, maybe not 100lbs, but a huge weight has been lifted off of my head! It was amazing how almost immediately I felt relief! I have been planning on cutting off my hair for some time now! I have worn it long for the past 6+ years for several reasons!

1. I was in college and couldn't afford a hair cut every 6 weeks to keep a cute short style.
2. I was getting my masters and was too lazy to care for my hair properly.
3. I decided to start caring for my long hair in preparation for donating it!

The idea of donating my hair is a courageous and inspiring story (not about me, but someone else I find very special!) But, to begin, I should say that several years ago I heard about Locks of Love. It is a hair donation charity, that accepts hair donations to be made into real hair wigs for people with cancer who have lost their hair. I always thought it was such a wonderful and simple way for anyone and everyone to give back and help another person! I started researching Locks of Love in 2007 when my aunt, Pattie, was diagnosed with breast cancer! Pattie had such a difficult experience through her surgeries and treatments! As a result of chemotherapy, she lost her hair and decided to purchase wigs.

At Christmas, Pattie and I were talking about everything that she had experienced thus far and she explained that loosing her hair was one of the worst things for her! She explained that she realized that loosing her hair may seem petty to others, but that she felt a true loss. I explained that I didn't find it petty at all because I feel that for most (myself included) our hair is a large character in our physical identity! From that moment, I decided that I had to do something! I didn't think that finding the cure of cancer was likely to come from me, so I decided that I was going to start caring for my hair in preparation of donating it!

Locks of Love requires 10". That is a lot of hair for someone with a head of hair like me! But, I wasn't too concerned about growing it because luckily my hair grows fast. But, I was dreading having to care for all of that hair up until I cut it. But, not to worry, Brent saved the day! He had heard about Pantene Beautiful Lengths. This is another hair donation charity that accepts 8" for the same exact cause as Locks of Love. I felt relieved!

Now, if you know me, you know that I have a ton of hair! To say that it is thick is an understatement, plus when you grow it out, it starts affecting your lifestyle! Before cutting it, I was spending 1 1/2 hrs. washing, blow drying, straightening, and styling it! Actually, I had started wearing it curly because it was taking so long to care for it!

So, on Monday, September 8, I cut it all off! I decided that this was a way to give back and help those like Pattie enduring the pain of chemo and loosing her hair in the process! So, here is to Pattie! I donate my hair in honor of you and your courageous and fight against cancer. You are not just a survivor, but a conqueror because of your hard earned efforts!

For an update....Pattie's cancer is gone and her hair is growing back!

And the two became One!

Saturday, Aug. 30,2008 was a special day for two reasons!

1. It was my mom's birthday! No, I won't reveal her age, although it is nothing to be ashamed of! I believe that the only thing to be ashamed of as you age is not your age, but neglecting to live your life to the fullest!

2. My little brother, Taylor got married! He married a beautiful and sweet girl....Kelcie! They had a beautiful summer wedding (indoors....thank you, God!) I had the privilege of being a bridesmaid...and thank you, Kelcie for choosing a dress that granted me many compliments!

It is hard to believe that Taylor is married! Not because he isn't old enough or mature enough, but because he's Taylor! I remember the day he was born! That was a great day! I got a little brother and a real life doll to play with! What 4 (almost 5) year old girl doesn't want a real life doll to play with! What they don't tell you is that the baby grows and starts talking (or more like talking back!) Taylor and I had your typical sibling spats, but what I am discovering as I talk to others is that we don't have a typical sibling relationship now! You see, Mom and Dad used to fret that Taylor and I wouldn't be close because I was nearly 5 years older and we are of the opposite sex, but I think it has worked in our favor! You see, we have provided one another with an understanding of the opposite sex, we respect one another, and we have fun together! We don't always agree, but we do have the ability to get through it and work it out! I think that Taylor and I are fortunate (or at least I know I am) that I am able to call him my friend as well as my brother!

His wife is great, too! I never had a sister before, so to have a sister-in-law is fun! The more time I spend with her the more I realize how much she and I have in common! She and Taylor compliment each other really well, and I couldn't be happier that Taylor chose her to be his wife!

Congratulations to the happy couple! May God continue to bless you and your relationship as you grow in Him and in love! I love you and wish you all the best!

On another note...when Brent and I got married, Taylor snitched and told where we had hidden my car! So, instead of having one car to clean up, we had two! Brent and I have always promised to payback the "favor!" So, Brent found Kelcie's car hidden at her Grandmother's house, but we decided to provide a little extra "fun!" We decorated their bedroom and left many surprises! Hope they enjoy the many surprises to come! Love`Ash