My son's latest newpaper article for those of you who like them :)
December 22 was the date that I, once again with the help of my stylist at her salon, donated my hair to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a charity that makes wigs out of donated hair for kids who have a wide sort of ailments from cancer to autoimmune disorders and who do not have or have lost their hair due to illness/treatments. This allows anyone who grows their hair long to essentially give their hair directly to a child.
I started donating my hair at a tender young age in elementary school. At that point, it was and has been my “thank you” to God for sparing my mother after her own struggle with cancer and seeing what my mom went through with having to be without hair and wear wigs and more until her hair grew back. Then, my participation with Locks of Love grew and the importance of it to me has grown as well.
I have donated my hair every 2 years after that first time. I donate it once it gets long enough, as it has to be 10 inches or longer and all natural. If you donate chemically processed hair it cannot be used for the children. However, do not let that discourage you, as they take that hair if donated and sell it to help their charity.
The fact that I could help kids with ailments was and is a fantastic feeling for me. Many of us who have hair probably do not understand the struggle of growing up without hair, nor the pressures it puts on those kids every day. For me, being able to help in my small way remove some of those pressures and make them feel like normal kids is such a heartwarming feeling on its own.
I have always donated my hair around Christmas time because it was always my gift so some child could have hair as their Christmas present. However, it doesn’t have to be Christmas time for you to donate. Locks of Love accepts donations all year long.
I have seen that others in my town too have taken part with Locks of Love since I started years ago. This does my heart good. I hope that others will continue to think of Locks of Love when it comes time to cut their hair.
To contact Locks of Love, visit their website at www.locksoflove.org. The organization is located in West Palm Beach, Fla., and can be contacted at (561) 833-7332 for additional information about their mission.
God Bless.
Just quick update to this
Just quick update to this article since being published the hairdresser called us and because of my son's article she has gotten not only new clients but a few more people donated their hair to Locks of Love-My son was so happy about that!!! :)
God bless
What wonderful news, OUTSIDE
What wonderful news, OUTSIDE THE BOX! Thank you for sharing. All my best thoughts and joy for you and your son. Smiles :)
Bless Your Heart, Outside The
Bless Your Heart, Outside The Box. I am touched again this day as I knew more specifics of what I could ask God for in my prayers, all the more fervent because I now know you have the heart of a survivor like my mom. A true compliment, for she, too, loved to laugh and, in doing so, shined God's brilliant love light to lift the souls she touched. I can see, by your friends' responses and your son's words and deeds, that you, too, shine God's brilliant love light to lift the souls you touch. May God bless you and all the souls you touch, all those for whom you love and care.
Awww.. this was written so
Awww.. this was written so beautifully, OTB. Your son is an amazing young man. I remember seeing the pictures on facebook. :) I had no idea that you had struggled with cancer. It's no wonder why you are so light hearted and love to laugh... some of the most simplest and sweetest things in life to enjoy that we are often blinded by and may take for granted sometime kicks us in the butt, yet have always been right in front of our eyes all along. I believe I could learn a lot from your son... he's quite a bright fella :) Thank you for sharing your son's article.. as well as the bond that you both share so tightly together. I agree with Montana... what a beautiful gift of love!
Aww Bex-thank you -yeah my
Aww Bex-thank you <3 -yeah my son and I are extremely close-my daughter too but she's grown now and is back living in New York. My son and daughter have been with me with my in and out of remissions through the years but this last go around this past year 2012 will be hopefully the last time-Fuck Yeah!!! YAY!!!
And yes-I LOVE TO LAUGH!!!! :D
Thank you all so much, your
Thank you all so much, your comments have touched my heart and I know they will my son's-thank you so much for sharing and Val great info for donating as well-Cool!!! :)
Wait, this beautiful letter
Wait, this beautiful letter was also his Christmas gift to you? What an exquisite gift of love. My mother was a breast cancer survivor. Thank you for posting this, reminding me of all through which she perservered before God found a different way in which to bring home His angel. I know many, way out here in Montana, who also participate in Locks of Love and I truly appreciate your son's eloquently written Letter of Love.
Oh, bless your son, OTB!!
Oh, bless your son, OTB!!
I just wanted others to know that you can also go to www.pantene.com, and check out their 'beautiful lengths' tab. They do the same thing--only hair can be 8 inches in length, but same directives as above--no processing, etc. My daughter gave up her ponytail this fall :)
My sister is a hairdresser
My sister is a hairdresser who does it while she is in school to get her masters to teach and I have donated my hair several times. It's a great feeling knowing that a child will be receiving such a gift in a world where other children can be so harsh. Not all kids though. There are those great kids who have been raised well or have been through something similar that have big hearts.
Excellent write up on "Locks
Excellent write up on "Locks of Love.!" When my Mom lost her hair during chemo, it was her wish that each of her three daughters (me the eldest) donate to this cause because it broke her heart to watch the reactions of the young kids who came into the chemo center for treatment. Loss of hair when the peer group is all important is hard for a child. All three of us had long long hair at the time and went together to the local participating salon to donate, and it sure made my Mom happy. Us too. Thanks for reminding me of that happy memory.
Outstanding! He's such a good
Outstanding! He's such a good boy :) You must be one proud Mama <3
What a beautiful and well
What a beautiful and well-written article! Tears fill my eyes. I have read his other articles and your son definitely has a gift...actually several...his research for his writing, his exceptional writing skills at a young age, his bravery and courage to share his writing gift, and the beauty of his heart in every piece, especially this one. God bless you, Outside The Box, for raising such a good-hearted son and for the love, strength, and courage you model to him. Bless your heart. The greatest gift we can give humanity is a well-raised child. You are a good woman and a good mother, through and through. My best to you and your son as 2013 I pray dawns bright with promise and hope for you both. Smiles :)