Thursday, April 1, 2010

Take it all off. Or, what I did for love

In my post Monday, I shared my celebration of a wonderful woman and friend who has been a long term role model for me. She is also a breast cancer survivor. I shared her story with you, and thank you so much for the amazing comments you shared. I have printed all of these and will send them to her. The cameraderie that is shared in Blog World is a powerful force and Monday was a perfect example. I also wrote that post to share my thoughts about her with her because I am a true believer that people you love should never wonder about your feelings towards them.

And I want to share something else. When I spoke to MA earlier this week, she thanked me for the birthday gift I mailed. And I told her that in her honor, I also gave a gift to someone else.






Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces for children suffering from hair loss from any long-term illness. When I went in for the cut, the salon began to buzz with a few women sharing stories of doing this similar act. And one person said to me, "You know, there is a little girl who goes to class and never smiles because she doesn't look like all of the other kids. And because of you, she will have the most beautiful hair in school." 

If the reason for doing it didn't stir enough emotion in me, that particular statement resonated with me all day.  And MA knows exactly what this would be like for a young girl.  So this is what I did for love. And for Locks of Love.

I am not special. I am not finding a cure or eliminating a single family from being told their child is sick. But I do think we can all play a small part in making life better for others. And  leaving the salon with a gift in honor of an inspiring woman did add a little lift to my step. It could be that by removing 11 inches of hair, I certainly weighed less. Or it could be that my heart felt a bit more buoyant that day. And a buoyant heart is always welcome.

I am off tomorrow for a day with MiniMac. And if you are celebrating, have a beautiful Easter. I know we will and I am grateful and thankful for so many things in my life. Have a fantastic weekend.

115 comments:

leigh hewett said...

I used to cut hair at a salon in Buckhead and I was the "locks of love" stylist. I probably did over 50 haircuts where the hair was donated.

It's an amazing thing. I'm proud of you for donating!

the walking man said...

Nothing like a real hair rug for them who will soon as they get well return the favor.

You and the kiddo and the old man have a good Easter week end.

Shelly - Tropical Mum said...

Cancer is a horrible disease. It can rob you of your health, your future, your loved ones, your sense of invincibility, your dignity.

The thing you did goes a long way to giving a sick child some of that dignity back.

Well done YOU! Have a lovely Easter weekend.

Shelly

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful thing... good for you :-)

Sarah at The Stroller Ballet said...

I think that Locks of Love is such a wonderful organization...I think it's great that you decided to donate. I also love the pictures in your post. Have a fabulous Easter weekend.

Melissa {Suger} said...

I'm sure your beautiful hair will be put to great use! Good on you.

Cara Smith said...

What a wonderful gift to be able to give.

Have a great Easter weekend.

Slamdunk said...

A great cause, your charitable work is admirable. The Mrs. has chopped and donated there as well.

With the new look, I do expect you to have shaved 15 seconds off your mile running time though.

Little Ms Blogger said...

I too did Locks of Love last year -- Congrats to you for doing it.

Have a great day with Mini Mac.

I am going to track down my friend who lives in R.I., on the bay and make sure her and her family are good. Left a message last night for her, but just looking at the area of flooding and am just praying her house is not flooded to the roof line.

Again..love that you did the Locks of Love.

Intense Guy said...

Have a wonderful weekend!

"I am not special" Au contraire mon ami!

MommyLovesStilettos said...

That is really awesome. I've considered doing that once my hair is long enough.

Jenn@ You know... that blog? said...

You're awesome, JM :)

Dual Mom said...

Damn you for causing me to tear up at work!

You've inspired me....I think I'm going to do the exact same thing!

You have a wonderful heart Jenny Mac.

Brian Miller said...

you gave me smiles...wht a wonderful act of love...

Will Burke said...

Beautiful post! I hope you get to meet the young lady who's now wearing your locks!

Nat said...

You've made a beautiful gift!

Just caught up with your Monday post too...so glad that someone so special is a survivor. Cancer has destroyed the lives of so many people we love (my dad is currently living with cancer and fighting it all the way!)and it is heartening to read a positive story.

All best wishes to you and those close to you at Easter.

Anonymous said...

How Beautiful of you!!! One of my students did that last year! Have a magnificent weekend!!!

Unknown said...

My daughters have done this several times, and it's always such a neat thing. I wish there were a way to convey that this really is how lives are changed - by small, manageable acts performed by busy, everyday people. No one has to do everything. Everyone doing something would be plenty.

Enjoy your weekend, too, Jenny.

When Pigs Fly said...

I think the locks of love is such a great idea. I have several friends who have gone through breast cancer and it is devastating. Thanks for helping.

Liza said...

Thank you for a little dose of inspiration just before Easter.

love lives in the kitchen said...

oh it's awesome whta you did with your hair... i admire it!
have a great day and happy easter!

many hugs,
justyna

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

What a great thing to do!

Mrs. M said...

Enjoy your day with your son. I love the new hair - and what a great cause. I have a friend that does that, grows it out, cuts it off and she just keeps on with that cycle.

What a wonderful gift. :)

Unknown said...

Kudos to you! My Granddaughter did the same with her beautiful long red hair a few years ago.

Jessica said...

Your hair looks great but even better because of where its going! Thats great that you did that! Happy Easter!

Johana Hill said...

The first time I cut my hair, the hairdresser kept my cut-off mane. She said she'd send it to someone who needs it. That made me happy.

It's good to know there are people like you out there in the big bad world! ;p

mCat said...

Locks of Love is the BEST! Most of the time, it goes to children and that makes my heart warm.

Good on ya JennyMac!

Happy Easter

Kristen said...

How Awesome! Your hair is gorgeous, and will make someone very happy!

Ed said...

I know several people who have done, and continue to do that.

Very worthy cause.

Good girl.

MommaKiss said...

awesome awesome awesome!
your friend is lucky you're in her life.
enjoy the day off tomorrow!

Pres. Kathy said...

What a wonderful thing to do!

Herding Cats said...

Good for you! Also, you have great hair - long or short! Although, I'm really liking the short hair!

Jude said...

My SON did this when he was 16 and was too young to give blood...there wasn't a dry eye in the salon.

You've made some child's life a little less painful.

Bossy Betty said...

I's always admired people who do this! It's the little things that each of us can do that matters.

A Daft Scots Lass said...

You are special. You have given someone a wonderful gift.

I support the Shavathan every year that raises money for CANSA. Its a brilliant cause. I've never been brave enough to cut off all my locks but I do spray my hair, donate and volunteer at local shopping centres to raise funds.

Tere Kirkland said...

I did Locks of Love a few years ago, and my hair's getting long enough to do it again this summer.

It's a good feeling, isn't it?

One Photo said...

What a wonderful way to support a child suffering from long term illness. I also love your pictures and this inspiring story.

Have a wonderful Easter

Caty said...

It is the little things we can do that count. You probably put a big smile on a little girl's face...and you deserve that buoyant heart. Yes, they are always welcome :)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Wonderful to be able to donate to Locks of Love. One of my daughters has done this and I am so proud of her. Me short hair and can't get it to grow long. Thanks for you gift.

Kristina P. said...

This is so great, Jenny.

Jen said...

I donated 12 inches to Locks of Love almost exactly three years ago! It wasn't a big deal for me; I was cutting my hair anyway, but I know it was a huge deal for someone who could have hair again. My hairdresser actually cried when she cut it! LOL... I'd love to do it again, but I have such a hard time now letting my hair grow. It is such a great feeling though.

Andrea said...

Happy Easter to you as well. My oldest sister was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2003. She kicked it's ass too. PTL. In her honor, another sister and I grew out our hair and cut it for Locks of Love also. Way to go Jenny Mac!

Anonymous said...

Way to go! A bold move that will make a difference for someone.

NotJustAnotherJen said...

Way to go! Your courageous act will make a big difference for someone. Plus you're gorgeous anyway with or without long hair. Cheers to you.

Michele R said...

Not too long ago there was a function at night at our elem school and a popular teacher had sold the rights to another teacher to cut off her long hair at this event for Locks of Love. Another teacher paid $25 to do this (went to cancer research) and we all cheered when it was done. Then two 12 yr old girls had their moms cut their hair on stage for Locks of Love too. I must say all three of them looked great with their resulting shoulder-length hair—and so do you! Such a wonderful organization.

Unknown said...

How awesome are you?!
My cousin did that once. I've thought about it but I put my hair through so much. I don't think the Locks of Love people would like a mat of split ends dyed purple and blonde...
My daughter has been talking about it. I hope she goes through with it. LoL is one of the best organizations out there.

Vivobello said...

Your hair is beautiful, I'm sure who ever gets it will love it! And as a plus for you, the new style looks great on you!

Leah Rubin said...

Kiddo, you are my new personal hero. What a gift!

Have a great day with Mini-Mac, and a lovely Easter weekend!

brokenteepee said...

I am working up to it. Just a couple of more inches to go.
I hope they don't mind a little grey :)

Enjoy your Easter.

shortmama said...

Awesome!! My oldest and I did this a couple years ago! Wonderful deed!

Emily said...

My brother's girlfriend did that several times...it's a great organization. Happy Easter!

Anonymous said...

I just read you Monday post..sorry so late. My Mom is a breast cancer survivor and it touched me.

What you did...I am speechless. Helping children is so special to me...sorry I am a little speechless.

You did good. Have an amazing Easter!

Confessions of a Mother, Lawyer & Crazy Woman said...

Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!

Myya said...

Awesome! My hair doesn't really grow so this isn't a great option for me. I did used to do the Race for the Cure every year, although I have been out of commission for a few years... I think I need to start back up!!!
Happy Easter to you as well & have a wonderful day tomorrow with MiniMac.

SmartBear said...

You rock! That is such an awesome thing to do. And the new do looks great! Plus, I kind of need those sunglasses.
Best,
Tina

Rebecka said...

How fabulous are YOU!

My awesome 40 year old brother cut his lovely wavey blond hair just a few weeks ago for locks of love.

You are both heroes to someone (beside me!)who will truly appreciate this gift.

Tessa said...

You earth angel! What a truly thoughtful, wonderfully loving gesture. In fact, you've inspired me to do the same. Thanks, Jenny Mac xx

Anonymous said...

That is really fantasic! Especially since you have really pretty hair :-)

My SIL just only grows her hair out specifically for locks of love and she has done it twice!

HalfAsstic.com said...

Ah, yes. Locks of Love is a wonderful organization. Keelan has donated to it either two or three times. And I believe Kessa has once. I, myself, can't stand to get my hair long enough for them to even raise an eyebrow at. Over 40. No more long locks for me.

Unknown said...

You are a wonderful woman. JennyMac.

Kat said...

Oh I think you are very special indeed! You have such gorgeous hair, someone is going to be very, very happy. My niece donates to locks of love when her hair gets long enough. I just think it's one of the neatest organizations out there. Such a simple thing really, but it can make such a difference in a patient's outlook. Bravo to you, and I hope you all have a blessed Easter. Kathy

Ali said...

You wonderful, wonderful woman you.

I did Locks of Love a few years ago. Chopped off 16 inches of my hair, and I grew it out for about 2 years. SUCH a rewarding experience.

Tiff said...

Beautiful!!! You and your hair. ;) Olivia donated her hair a couple of years ago and we've been growing it out ever since so we can do it again!

Unknown said...

I love the cut, love what you've done and love that you've given me yet another reason to adore the lovely person you are.

To donate to Locks of Love, though--you can't have any highlights, right? no chemical processes, right? (I do highlights) And don't you have to have 12 inches to cut off? or is it 10?

You are a phenomenal woman, JM. Enjoy your day with Mini Mac and your Easter weekend!

Jen said...

I have always wanted to donate to locks of love but I have never been able to let me hair grow.

Candice said...

What a lovely gift. I donated a foot of hair several months back. It made me feel good. :)

Barbaloot said...

I have a cousin that's done Locks of Love a couple times---I think anyone that does it is amazing. My hair will never grow quite long enough. But in all honesty, I'd probly be too vain to cut it off if it did!

secret agent woman said...

My son did this a couple of years ago:
http://incognitoagent.blogspot.com/2007/10/locks-of-love.html

Anonymous said...

GOOD for you, M.A.! What a lovely, giving woman you are. And your friends in the Mac family dont seem to be too bad, either.

Happy Easter!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a lovely and simple and astounding thing to do. You've no doubt made someone very happy and given her or his family a great deal of hope and healing. Although this is nothing like losing a full head of hair, when I was a child I lost my hair during surgery in a few places and it never grew back. I was sure that everyone in my class could see a big bald spot on the back of my head. To this day, I still worry about stylists accidentally cutting my hair too short and exposing the spots. I can only imagine how scary it would feel for a child to lose all of their hair - when all we want to do is fit in.
Ya' done some kinda awesome! Have a fantastic Easter weekend! - G

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Way to be lady. I've donated my mane to them before!

Anonymous said...

Great post. I love awareness blogs. Just had one myself last week regarding colon cancer. Have a terrific Easter.

Stephen Tremp

Claudya Martinez said...

You are wrong, you are special. You are doing something kind for someone else and that is special!

Anonymous said...

I donated my hair many I mean several years ago. I am not that old that it could have been many years ago! Happy Easter Weekend. Hope your little one gets a visit from the Easter bunny.

Anonymous said...

My husband donated his hair to Locks of Love last year. We haven't personally been touched by cancer but he felt good about doing something to help other people feel pretty and hopefully they're enjoying his hair as much I did ;-)

Anonymous said...

My husband donated his hair to Locks of Love last year. We haven't personally been touched by cancer but he felt good about doing something to help other people feel pretty and hopefully they're enjoying his hair as much I did ;-)

http://howtobecomeacatladywithoutthecats.blogspot.com said...

What's especially cool is watching all the kids at school donating their hair to Locks of Love. What a great way for young people, (as well as people of all ages,) to be able to share themselves with others.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Thoughtful, charitable, beautiful - all words I would have ascribed to you before this post, JMac!

Thank you for giving to Locks of Love.

My hair is very short, so I can't do this, but my grown daughter has hair down to her butt and every spring she cuts a bunch off for Locks of Love.

Happy Easter! Have a glorious weekend!!

MrsBlogAlot said...

Jenny Mac you are as beautiful as they come! Inside and out!!!

Amazingly beautiful!!!!

What a gift you just gave.

Have a wonderful Easter! xoxoox

vanilla said...

Thank you. A beautiful gift for some beautiful person who will appreciate it. We have a daughter whose hair grows very fast; she periodically gives a similar gift.

Happy Easter to you and yours.

Joaness said...

Here from Friday Follow! I LOVE your blog. You share your heart and it is lovely...
My daughter is growing her hair to do locks of love for the second time!
Stop by and say hello if you get a chance!
http://herroyaljoaness.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Very cool!

Happy "Good Friday" Follow! I'm your newest following friend. I'd love for you to drop by my blog sometime & follow me. Hope you're looking forward to a great weekend!

http://savingsandstewardship.blogspot.com

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

Happy Friday Follow! I'm your newest follower...if you get a chance, please stop by and follow me too! Have a great weekend!

http://www.mommylivingthelifeofriley.com

Martha H. said...

What a lovely, lovely gift.

Katie said...

I'm here from Friday Follow, too! I've always wanted to give to Locks of Love, but I've never managed to grow my hair out long enough. Have a great weekend!

www.ktc4unc.blogspot.com

Family-Friendly Product Reviews said...

Happy Friday Follow! I'm your newest follower...if you get a chance, please stop by and follow me too! Have a great weekend!

http://www.mommylivingthelifeofriley.com

trooppetrie said...

I have given my hair a couple of times. I am a new friday follower and would love for you to come and enter my first give away

Miss E said...

What a gracious thing to do, friend! How lucky some child will be to have your beautiful hair. Happy Easter!

Elena Sonnino said...

"special" is all relative--it is the thought that counts. As a cancer survivor, I know how important this act really was!
visiting from friday follow!

AiringMyLaundry said...

I also donated to Locks of Love awhile back :)

Grand Pooba said...

WOW! I am so impressed that you did that. Hair is an emotional thing to women! I used to cry every time I got mine cut just a couple inches!

Your new do looks great and I love how much you want to help others.

Have a good weekend!

Unknown said...

Thanks for visiting my blog for Friday Follow ! I'm following you too !

Kel said...

Thanks for the follow. Following you back! Have a great weekend!
Kel

Ellen said...

That's so sweet you did that! I never thought my hair could even grow that long (I've got blah, limp locks), but this makes me want to try!

http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

wendy said...

Two years ago, my little grand daughter who had hair to the middle of her back, cut it all off and donated it to Locks of Love.
What a great organization.

good for you.

K A B L O O E Y said...

I wish mine would grow long enough to do this, but I'm not even close. Nor is my daughter, but thanks for your selfless great deed. My mom's breast cancer-free as of last Thursday, so your post felt like a personal present.

Theta Mom said...

YOU - are a rockstar. Enough said.

sheila said...

I agree and it's a beautiful thing to do. My girls, when they were little, did this. It was very cute. They got a certificate and everything after their hair was received. It made an impact even as they were still young, they understood.

J said...

I used to think Locks of Love was a good organization, but my friend used to donate to them and said she stopped.

She said that they do what, unfortunately, a lot of places do: they overcharge the patients who need/want their services...

It's a shame. A person is already buried in bills (more than likely) and just wants hair, and it costs them an arm and a leg like everything else...

I don't know that that would stop me from ever donating, because they are the most well-known and their intentions are good.... But it does bother me...

Mom in High Heels said...

Yay for you! I've done this twice. Once I had 22" of my hair cut off and donated it to LoL.

Katherine said...

What a beautiful thing to have done! Cancer is an insidious disease, so anything that eases it's treacherous presence, is a truly wonderful gift. Your gift, will make a young child feel beautiful again! You are a beautiful, beautiful person Jenny!

Kiera said...

shoot im so happy you reminded me. i always mean to donate my hair, then always forget. good for you! and thanks for the reminder!

lisa and laura said...

Oh my gosh, Jenny. That is just AMAZING. Plus you're totally rocking the shorter do. And your hair is gorgeous. I'm sure you made some woman VERY happy. Thanks for being an inspiration!!!

Matty said...

What a noble and selfless thing to do. You helped someone in need, and helped yourself in the process. If I had hair, I would donate it too.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea... I am kinda wishing I had hair to donate! Mental note to stop looking like a boy :0)

Happy Easter to you and yours

mandatorybloghere said...

That is so lovely

Cathi said...

That is a beautiful thing that you did, JennyMac...My niece just cute off about a foot of her hair to send to Locks of Love also. Happy Easter to you and your family! xxoo :)

Science Teacher Mommy said...

And now you are even more gorgeous.

foxy said...

You're awesome. That's really all there is to it... :)

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

I have lost friends to cancer (sadly, who hasn't?) and I know how important it was for them not to Look sick. Wigs help with that so much. Good for you and I love the new 'do.

The Constant Complainer said...

That was a nice gift to give.

I hope you guys had a nice Easter weekend.

ViennaGirl said...

Stunning!

Catherine B said...

Awesome! My child just finished cancer treatment and Locks of Love is an amazing organization. Visiting from Theta Mom! I love your blog. She is right, you are a very talented writer.

The Absence of Alternatives said...

This is awesome! You are awesome! Sorry I don't know any other way of putting it. xxoo

Unknown said...

It's a good thing you've done, congratulations for taking the plunge :)

I've donated 4 ponytails to Locks of Love, but am unable to do so anymore because my hair is going grey. So if any of your older readers are interested (I don't see much in the way of grey hair on your friends list, but thought I'd throw that out there, just in case...), the last time I donated my hair, it went to Pantene Beautiful Length, which takes grey hair.

Cheers!