Last Saturday I went to my favorite hairstylist for a hair cut. It had been several months since I’d gone, and over a year since I’d seen her. She went on medical leave last March and had surgery to remove part of her intestines where a cancerous tumor had grown. Needless to say, we greeted each other with a hug and warm words.
In that time, my hair has endured continuous chlorine damage and hormonal changes due to pregnancy and birth. Also, my hair was getting tucked into my waistband on a regular basis and since it was classic length (halfway of the body) it was also a bit disconcerting to have it end up in weird places when I showered.
We negotiated, as we always do when she cuts my hair and we decided to cut it so it was waist length, which equaled a cut of eight inches. When I started growing my hair 15 years ago, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have 8 inches of hair to cut off and still have some left over. Sadly, it was so scraggly that it wasn’t worth donating to any cause except my own. My own “cause” is to show William when he’s older and lay guilt on him by telling him that this, THIS is what he did to his to his momma!
As she snipped off my hair, I met her eyes in the mirror and said, “This is such a bummer.” She paused, and said with a soft smile, “Yes, but it could be so much worse… and you have a beautiful baby boy to show for it.” I nodded. It could be much worse, this I know. I know what she’s been through this past year. But I also know that the alternative, for me, is that I wouldn’t have William… which just isn’t an alternative.
When I finished and paid, I sent Tony a text message that I was done. He had been walking through the pet store with William, showing him the fish tanks — which William is entranced by. Tony walked across the parking lot, William in his arms. For me it was like looking at my dreams come true.
William was handed over without hesitation to my hair stylist. She enfolded him in her arms and closed her eyes, inhaling the babyness of him. As for William, he snuggled into her neck as if he understood her need. I said softly, “He is good for the soul…”
Her eyes still closed, she replied, “Yes, he is.”
…and do you know? It still doesn’t seem real to me that he’s finally here.
Jammie J's Quest 
My son is 2 years, 2 months and 21 days old and I still pinch myself every single time I see him, hear him…feel him. When you work as hard as we had to (in our own separate ways) and wait as long as we had to…it’s almost too sweet to believe. But he’s real. He’s finally here, and your little miracle is indeed good for the soul. He has your gorgeous smile, his Daddy’s look of mischief, and a beauty that transcends words. I could not be happier for you.
Thanks… 🙂
Ellen keeps her grey hairs intact so she can show our boys what they’ve done to her. I’m sure you’ll get there one day as well.
You guys are such a cute family. I know you’ve got many amazing moments in store for you.
Ha… I’m tucking that scraggly pony tail into William’s baby book.
OMGOSH I love love LOVE the pic of all of you!
Yes, he is so totally worth it! Just the look of contentment and happiness on your’s and Tony’s faces shows the world William is definitely worth it!
Thank you! That little kid is a stinker… and still has that crazy sense of humor that I figured he would have while i was pregnant with him!
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL William! Great picture of him and a Great picture of the three of you together….This is such a Happy Time! And I am Sooo very happy for all three of you! Bless!
Thank you — he IS a beautiful baby. I have no idea how or why that is, but I love every bit of him! 🙂
Bad girl you made me cry… big hugs…. my head is just starting the pre fall itch… chemo is def doing it’s job, I see the hair fall as proof it’s getting to all the knooks and crannies… but man I had just got it to where I liked it.
PS he’s beautiful cos he has beautiful kind parents.. how could he be anything else.xxx
What a darling family! Thanks for sharing your life here, Jammie. Blessings, Debra