Things Alopecians Like #13

Making fun of your boyfriend because he's going bald.

Pharmacy Drive-Thru

I pulled up to the pharmacy drive-thru and the clerk asked for my name. She came back and forth to the window getting various information. After all the formalities she said, "you know, there's not a lot of women who can pull that off."

People look at you once, then twice, and most likely a third time before going about their business. But I'm very thankful for the few that stop and take a moment to make me smile.

That's the wrong door

I was walking into a public restroom at McDonald's and a lady across the room shouts, "That's the wrong door!" I immediately look at the sign on the door with a lady's icon. It was so hard for me not to laugh. I turned around, with my pearl earrings, gave her a smile and walked into the restroom. Sometimes you just have to laugh.

Hey that girl is....

BALD! I get so tickled when a little kid points out to their mom or dad that I am bald. The look of terror on the parent's face, the intense stare of the child, and a little smile from me make a great moment. I could probably count at least 15 times in the past month that a child has pointed out my baldness. These kids have truly lightened my soul and slowed me down in such a fast paced world. We often ignore things that need to be seen around us, but a lot can be learned from a child's perception.

Things Alopecians Like #12

A bandanna tan from not wearing sunscreen.
(This isn't really a like, but it makes people laugh when you're walking around with a bandanna tan)

Vegas ER

This summer I did some service projects in Las Vegas. One night I had to go to the emergency room with a friend who had a minor ailment. I sat across from a lady who was in scrubs and had noticeable bandages all over her body. I gave a little smile and she said, "I bet not having hair makes it cooler outside." I'm not sure if hair calculates when the temperature is 120 degrees F. We both laughed and she asked me what happened to my hair. In the middle of my alopecia explanation it hit me on how this lady was suffering, truly suffering, and yet her concern was about me. I forget what others may perceive of me in certain situations. Emergency Room + Bald Girl = Really Sick.
I've learned a lot these last few years about staying open to conversations with those who ask about my hair. I'm thankful for that night's conversation.

Dating...Is it the hair?

The biggest obstacle in my life is the overcritical thought process of myself. People say my bald look is beautiful and I believe I am beautiful. However, I still fight with stupid analysis of personal "flaws".

I started thinking about how I haven't been on a date in a year. Then, I quickly blamed it on being bald and the difference between acceptance and attraction. The thoughts quickly spiraled into despair. It's amazing how much easier it is to lie in despair, which is harder on the body, then to embrace hope for the future.

The bald card is a simple excuse. When in reality, the right circumstances have just not come together. Do I want someone to fall in love with my wig or with my personality? My brushed-in eyebrows or my intelligence? My fake eyelashes or my zeal for life?

I am so thankful for the way in which Alopecia has empowered my walk. Next time I hope to be less critical of my looks and more captivated by the challenge that lies ahead.

Take Off That Hat

At the end of my meal, the waitress says with a big smile, "Take off that hat!" I'm not sure why I chose to wear a hat today, but her statement was a pleasant surprise.

I have chosen to "live bald". No wigs and occasional hats. When I first lost all my hair, I wondered what strangers thought of my choice to go bald--can she not afford a wig or she must be really sick. But now I am so comfortable being bald and sharing my life with alopecia.

My encounter with the waitress was so very refreshing. One of her co-workers has alopecia. The conversation that continued made me feel so beautiful. I was not able to meet the lady who had alopecia, but I passed on AlopeciaWorld.com.

Things Alopecians Like #11

Jogging on a windy day = no problem

Do you have Alopecia?

"Do you have Alopecia?" For the first time a stranger asked me this. Usually the question is "do you have cancer?" or something similar.

While loading groceries into my car, a van pulls up with the window down. I smiled at the two women in the car trying to figure out if I knew them. Then they asked the question and a wonderful conversation about alopecia followed. Their 7 year old granddaughter does not have hair. They took my picture to show the child.

A neat experience.

A Grandmother's Wig

I work with elementary students several times a week. Today, with the sweetest sincerity, a child told me that her grandmother has several wigs I can borrow. I told her that I preferred to not wear wigs. She asked why and I said they're itchy. She laughed and her loving smile was priceless.

Some days I do wonder why I don't wear wigs. I have no regrets for deciding not to cover the hair loss. It's just a continual process of embracing who I am. Today, I deeply value the sweetness of a child's thoughts.

Things Alopecians Like #10

Frizz-be-gone:
"Freedom from "frizz" drama! No matter rain, wind, humidity, etc..."

Thanks Sandy (Alopecia World)!

Things Alopecians Like #9

No more coat zipper drama. No hair, no worries.

Smoothly ringing in the New Year

Celebrating another new year with a smooth scalp leaves me filled with mixed emotions. In October, I started growing little patches of baby hair. This was so exciting. Then, the hair started to fall out again. No!! I was so very hopeful this time. The hair was going to grow back!

Calming down I remember how beautiful God has made me. Although the hair is not growing I have so much hope in the new year. Not only in eventually having a head full of hair, but also in helping others understand life with Alopecia.

Happy New year to my bald buddies and prayers for confidence on who we are--Bald and Beautiful!