I can't even begin to describe how amazing tonight was, really the whole day.
For reasons I have not been able to explain, I've been oddly nervous about shaving my head. Not like I'm one who cares about hair, and I have always wanted to shave my head in support of someone else (and nearly did with my mom). My fear was always work, and what better excuse can someone have now? =) My mom rocked the bald look back in 1993 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 21, and remember being so proud of how strong she was to just go bald. I get a lot of my bravery from her (and also my dad, just in different ways). Leading up to today, my mom's been on my mind constantly. I know she's there cheering me on, and supporting me every step through this fight. I also feel her strength and relentless nature to 'get through it'. Today I missed her more than any days since she passed away. I wonder if what I thought was fear of losing my hair was more a sadness and connection I was having with my mom.
I worked from home today. It was nice. It also allowed Heather and I to have time before everyone came over to go for a walk. We decided to zig-zag around the Third Ward. Heather had been wanting me to check out Bangles & Bags, an inexpensive boutique we found around the holidays down the street from our house. We walked in as they had closed, but they told us we could continue to shop as long as we could be quick. I doubt those woman have ever seen someone buy so many hats, scarves, and earrings in such a quick period. I mean… we went to town! Best $235 I can remember spending … 7 hats, 6 scarves, and 9 pairs of earrings. As we were checking out, the woman who has been helping us (the shop owner) told us that she used to work with breast cancer patients, helping to fit them them for wigs and prosthetic bras. She was so supportive and asked us to come back and see her, and let her know if she could help in any way. Don't think I'll need any hats and scarves any time soon, but I have no doubt we will go back and support her business.
Just before 7pm, the Scylla started arriving in droves. For those that don't know them, they are a women's rugby team in Milwaukee that I coach. They are an amazing group of women, and have been family to me since I joined them weeks after moving. After my mom passed away, they supported me like I'd known them for a lifetime (and I'd known them less than a month). Today was even more amazing that that! Instead of practice tonight, they all came over to support me when I shaved my head. Not just a few of them, the whole team! Then… when I didn't think it could get any better, two of the girls (Kanye and Smalls) said they wanted to join the shave one side of their head. Another three decided to join in the full shave (Sarah, Lori and David). That brought us to 6 people, including me. Scylla really does mean family -- I love you ladies!
David (also known as David Dann), is one of my coworkers who also joined in on the festivities. Love you too, David Dann! I can't imagine you playing rugby, but you sure have rugby spirit. =) A couple other co-workers Alyson and John, along with their other-halves joined us. The last special guest was my amazing hairstylist Abby. She offered to come and shave us and joined us at around 8. Up until then we enjoyed pizza, snacks, and my favorite Milwaukee treat, dirt (Thanks Norbs & Ben!).
Then… the shaving began! And words can't describe how amazing it was… so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. In all, we had almost 40 people join this event. I am such a lucky woman. My Milwaukee family is so amazing! I also got some fabulous care packages and more head attire … stay tuned for our next slide show... I'm going to model them soon. =)
Thank you to everyone who came!!! Today was very special and one of my favorite nights I can remember. I love you all, and can't thank you enough for making me feel so special and strong during this amazing time. As the day closes, I've now accomplished my #1 goal around my hair. I beat you to it Vlad and chemo ... I win and you suck! Now my biggest fear, my hair falling out, will not happen. Instead I will find the strength to embrace this look.
Bring it!
For reasons I have not been able to explain, I've been oddly nervous about shaving my head. Not like I'm one who cares about hair, and I have always wanted to shave my head in support of someone else (and nearly did with my mom). My fear was always work, and what better excuse can someone have now? =) My mom rocked the bald look back in 1993 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 21, and remember being so proud of how strong she was to just go bald. I get a lot of my bravery from her (and also my dad, just in different ways). Leading up to today, my mom's been on my mind constantly. I know she's there cheering me on, and supporting me every step through this fight. I also feel her strength and relentless nature to 'get through it'. Today I missed her more than any days since she passed away. I wonder if what I thought was fear of losing my hair was more a sadness and connection I was having with my mom.
I worked from home today. It was nice. It also allowed Heather and I to have time before everyone came over to go for a walk. We decided to zig-zag around the Third Ward. Heather had been wanting me to check out Bangles & Bags, an inexpensive boutique we found around the holidays down the street from our house. We walked in as they had closed, but they told us we could continue to shop as long as we could be quick. I doubt those woman have ever seen someone buy so many hats, scarves, and earrings in such a quick period. I mean… we went to town! Best $235 I can remember spending … 7 hats, 6 scarves, and 9 pairs of earrings. As we were checking out, the woman who has been helping us (the shop owner) told us that she used to work with breast cancer patients, helping to fit them them for wigs and prosthetic bras. She was so supportive and asked us to come back and see her, and let her know if she could help in any way. Don't think I'll need any hats and scarves any time soon, but I have no doubt we will go back and support her business.
Just before 7pm, the Scylla started arriving in droves. For those that don't know them, they are a women's rugby team in Milwaukee that I coach. They are an amazing group of women, and have been family to me since I joined them weeks after moving. After my mom passed away, they supported me like I'd known them for a lifetime (and I'd known them less than a month). Today was even more amazing that that! Instead of practice tonight, they all came over to support me when I shaved my head. Not just a few of them, the whole team! Then… when I didn't think it could get any better, two of the girls (Kanye and Smalls) said they wanted to join the shave one side of their head. Another three decided to join in the full shave (Sarah, Lori and David). That brought us to 6 people, including me. Scylla really does mean family -- I love you ladies!
David (also known as David Dann), is one of my coworkers who also joined in on the festivities. Love you too, David Dann! I can't imagine you playing rugby, but you sure have rugby spirit. =) A couple other co-workers Alyson and John, along with their other-halves joined us. The last special guest was my amazing hairstylist Abby. She offered to come and shave us and joined us at around 8. Up until then we enjoyed pizza, snacks, and my favorite Milwaukee treat, dirt (Thanks Norbs & Ben!).
Then… the shaving began! And words can't describe how amazing it was… so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. In all, we had almost 40 people join this event. I am such a lucky woman. My Milwaukee family is so amazing! I also got some fabulous care packages and more head attire … stay tuned for our next slide show... I'm going to model them soon. =)
Thank you to everyone who came!!! Today was very special and one of my favorite nights I can remember. I love you all, and can't thank you enough for making me feel so special and strong during this amazing time. As the day closes, I've now accomplished my #1 goal around my hair. I beat you to it Vlad and chemo ... I win and you suck! Now my biggest fear, my hair falling out, will not happen. Instead I will find the strength to embrace this look.
Bring it!