Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Hair

I don't post because I don't want to reveal how sad and negative I am a lot of the time.  That's not me.  It's my blog and I can do whatever I want.  However, to type the negative words is to give them power.  (in my mind, anyway.)  So I just don't blog.  Today, I have something to blog about.

My friend Michelle nominated me for a Honey Baked Ham gift card, and I won.  It was something about "foiling cancer" and I was thrilled to find out that I'd won a $75 gift card.  That will be a HUGE help on Thanksgiving.  Tonight, I stopped by the local HBH store to order a ham for next week.

There was only one more customer in the store, and it was a couple.  I'm going to guess that they were in their late 50's to early 60's.  She wore a knit hat and was obviously bald.  As I left the store, they were following.  I held the door for them and then asked:

"Did you win a $75 gift card by being nominated for fighting cancer?"  She looked shocked and answered "Yes?"  She seemed confused.  I said, "Yeah.  Me, too.  I fought breast cancer for most of 2012."  She asked when my last chemo was, and I told her that it was September 19, 2012.

This is where I teared up.  She looked at her husband and said, "See?  Look how much hair I'll have in a year!"  I told her that I, too, struggled with the hair loss, felt it would never grow back, and now have had a trim and still have this much hair.

She smiled and then I did it.  I asked if I could please give her a hug.  She nodded and I hugged her.  I hugged her hard.  And while I hugged her, I whispered, "This will be over soon.  I promise."

She nodded and we parted ways.  I'll likely never see her again.  I hope she keeps her chin up, and I promise to do the same.  I have hair.  I have hair, and she'll have hair next year.  Maybe she'll lift up someone else who is struggling at that time. 

Hair?  Wanna see mine?  OK!

8 comments:

your pixel perfect said...

yay! So many strangers that I met along the way gave me so much strength and courage. We will get through this together! XOXO

Unknown said...

Reaching outside yourself and giving to others ... best medicine ever! I love what you did! HAIR! It's more than a musical! It's a bond that most people will never quite understand.

Jon said...

Your blog is an inspiration and I have never felt that you are negative. You've been through an enormous amount of horrible things and have earned every right to expressive your feelings.

I'm often deeply depressed, and unleashing my emotions in my blog is a catharsis.
Have a great Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

I like to think of it as trickle-down-positivity. Thank YOU for stepping outside your comfort zone and being there for that couple.

Jean said...

You are beautiful, and I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving.

small farm girl said...

I bet that lady will remember you forever. Oh and, you have very pretty hair too!!!!!!! Lol

Doris said...

This is the true Rach shining through!!!!

Drea said...

Love this. Even on your tough days, you're an inspiration to others just by doing what's natural to you. :)