I Never Liked It Anyway

The girls in books lose their hair in fevers or sell it to get money for some good deed, and I'm sure I wouldn't mind losing my hair in some such fashion half so much. But there is nothing comforting in having your hair cut off because you've dyed it a dreadful color, is there?" ~ Anne of Green Gables

Earlier this week, I took at their word one of the many people who've said, "Call if you need anything."

Some people have had worse tasks than others in that context. My sister-in-law cleaned out my fridge - and other places - without being asked actually - right before we came home from the first round of chemo. That's not a very pleasant task, because she wasn't here to watch me discover all she'd done, to see my face with awe and gratitude on it.

My aunt made me chicken soup, which I ate on for almost one full week. It was the only thing that tasted good for a while. That task wasn't too bad, probably, though sweeping my floors and straightening my kids' rooms - which she also did - was probably less than enviable.

The Halle Berry stage

I think this friend had one of the harder ones. I called her out of the blue when I realized my hair was going. My usual stylist was home with a sick baby. So I called Lisa. She'd never cut my hair on a good day, and it was asking an awful lot for her to cut it on that day. I also accused her of planting another customer nearby who voluntarily assured me I looked pretty with hair that short. When I put on the hat above, she said I looked like I was going shopping in New York City. Then I knew Lisa had paid her, because what better compliment could you pay a girl like me?

So thanks to the people who've offered to help. Thanks to those who have - driving my kids around, watching my kids, bringing us food. But this post is a special thanks to the people who had the most difficult tasks. And so the biggest thanks goes to Michael, who did the final haircut this morning - though cut is a generous term - and who did it while I cried.

I'm not sad. I feel pretty brave about it actually. And I'm happy to discover I'm not nearly as vain as I thought I was. But sometimes, the tears just sorta fall on their own.