This morning my mom gave us the news that it was time to shave her head. I knew it was coming, but in the back of my mind kind of hoped that mom wouldn't have to go through this. Mom invited us all over that night for a big family get-together, which are always fun and exciting. We got Michelle and her family on the computer and Cari and her family on the phone, so we were all together.
My mom gathered all of the grand kids around her for a little lesson. She brought out cute paper hearts on a popsicle stick, one for each of the grandchildren. On one side of the heart was a frowning face and on the other was a smiling face. Mom talked about how sometimes our hearts can hurt and feel sad when people are not nice and say mean things. Then mom talked about how we need to be nice to people and make their hearts happy. We talked about how everyone is different and we need to treat everybody kindly. Mom talked about she was going to look different and told the kids how they could always ask her questions or talk to her about anything. Mom was so strong and her thoughts were very touching. I appreciate that she opened up the subject for the grand kids and now they will be comfortable talking to her about it and asking her questions.
It was now time for the inevitable ... Danielle got the clippers and started to cut moms hair. Once again mom was so extremely strong! It was so amazing how strong/tough she looked without hair. I almost felt like she now looked on the outside, almost as tough as she is on the inside. I think that having the grand kids see this and having the discussion before-hand, helped them to realize that she was the same grandma as she has always been; with or without hair. It didn't phase any of them that grandma no longer had hair.
At the end I shared a scripture that I had found when I first found out about the cancer. It was 1 Samuel 16:7 that talks about how the world looketh on the outer appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. My mom has the best heart of anyone that I know! She always gives everybody the benefit of the doubt and helps everyone whenever she can. I know that this night and the shaving of her head had to be one of the hardest things that my mom has had to do, but I really appreciate that she was willing to share this difficult moment with all of us. I think that it was such a bonding experience for our family, and this entire experience will continue to be. My mom has looked at this experience in an eternal perspective from day one. Such a difficult trial for her, but allowing us all to learn and grow through her. She is an amazing and strong woman, and our hero!! -Tara
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