Be careful what you wish for. As many times as I said, "I wish Sept 18 would just get here already," now that today's the day I'm facing it with mixed feelings.
From a practical standpoint, my hair's a mess. I haven't had a proper haircut in months — me, who's usually on the five-week-schedule like clockwork. I actually had Raymond trim the back a few weeks ago to get rid of what was looking & feeling suspiciously mullet-like.
But emotionally, I don't know if I'm ready. Not to lose the hair, but to lose the experience. St. Baldrick's has become such a big topic of conversation over the last few months — why are you doing this? how much do they cut? will you wear a wig? are ya nuts? — and I've become very practiced in my answers.
Now that conversation is going to change to a whole new set of questions. How does it feel? How do you feel when you look in the mirror? Was it worth it? And I'll be forced to come up with a whole new set of answers.
I discovered a long time ago that preparation is key when you're someone who does not enjoy being the center of attention. It's the shield that lets you deflect the attention back where it belongs.
In this case, it's St. Baldrick's. They're the saints, not me — raising $90 million in the last 10 years that will hopefully serve as the catalyst to eradicating children's cancer.
Today's it's one small loss for a woman, and one hopefully giant leap for quality of life for kids and families everywhere — maybe even yours.
Hope to see you this afternoon here in West Orange!
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