This is not a post about the hair of the band, Journey. If so, I would probably start with an image like this.
Or this.
Or this.
Nope, that’s not the purpose of this post. Though it would be glorious and enjoyable. No, instead, this post is about Spring 2013-Fall 2014- A Journey of Hair.
My friend Jeff first informed me of the organization St. Baldricks. Basically they encourage people to shave their heads and raise money for cancer research and support. Jeff had a mighty epic fro, but being the kind guy he is, he decided to shave it off to help others. I supported him then with somewhere between 25 cents and 4 million dollars (can’t remember exactly how much)– but it placed a bookmark in my mind.
A couple years later, I found myself with somewhat long hair (not exactly strange for me). And I wondered, what if I did something productive? As in donating my hair for a wig making company? I had heard of Locks of Love (and all the problems with it as well) and wondered if there was an organization I could donate my hair to– and I found one. Children with Hair Loss. They seemed to be quite reputable, and their requirements for hair were a little looser– which was good for me, because I don’t know how much longer I could have gone after July 2013. So two worthy causes– then what?
A summer of hot, sweltering heat in Chicago, Texas, and Canada (including my cousin’s wedding). I had never had my hair that long before, and it was starting to weigh me down. So I set a date with St Baldricks and got the word out.
I made the video, made the challenges, and made it to my goal! And finally the day arrived. August 3rd, 2013. I arrived at the barber shop, and had friends and family there too! Including two of my friends that decided to do it with me! I sat down, and I was set free from my weighty locks…
And suddenly I was bald. I had never had less hair in my adult life– even in childhood. Perhaps when I was a baby, but that’s about it. The wind on my scalp, the sun on my head, these were all new feelings. It was fun, but weird.
And so, I couldn’t wait to grow it back. It was funny, I had spent a couple days at camp the week before with my long hair– then I spent another week working at camp with my bald head. Both were challenging for different reasons… but I did rock a stylish hat that second week to prevent sunburn. And look cool. And I did. 🙂
And the year went by. I was amazed how long it took for my hair to really grow back. I had always thought my hair grew fast– and I suppose it might. But it takes a long time to start over, that’s for sure. I became grateful for the head of hair that God have me– and the chance I had to help others.
Yep, a year went by. And I didn’t get a single haircut. Until August 3rd, 2014 (or something around that time). I went to my favorite place, Visible Changes at Willowbrook Mall, and got another haircut. A small loss, a big difference. Amazing how grateful you can be for such a small thing.You’ll be amazed what you can do with such a small gift. Someone somewhere has been blessed with my hair.
If you are interested, check out St. Baldricks’ website and Children With Hair Loss’s website. Give if you can. You’ll be glad you did.
And now, for your viewing pleasure, here is my gift to my donors. My own cover of Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again.” Enjoy.
Plus, a few funny photos of me pre-hair cut. Goofy as I can be.
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