Another Lesson Learned

Ever since I was a teenager, I have been complaining about my hair. My sister Chery had beautiful hair. I was always envious of her long, straight dark hair while I got stuck with the wild, curly, wavy, unruly red hair. She could go straight from the shower to school with her beautiful hair and not have to do a thing. I, on the other hand, had to iron mine with wax paper or roll it on coke cans (not conducive to a good night's sleep). And as soon as it rained, which was everyday in Seattle, all ironing was gone and I looked like little "Orphan Annie" again.

Even as I got older, I was always complaining about how long it took to fix my hair. Eventually I got a really short hair cut thinking that would help. (When you get up at 4:30 in the morning for work, every second counts.) But I still complained.

Yesterday morning I woke up so fatigued I could barely get out of bed. But I really wanted to see my good friend who was in the hospital. It was about 95 degrees outside so the wig was definitely out. Wigs are hot and scratchy and after a couple of hours they leave a dent in your head so you end up with a headache.

So I decided on a scarf. Even after 6 months, I have not gotten the hang of tying these scarves. So I worked and I worked. My arms felt like lead weights trying to hold them up because I was so tired. I just couldn't get it. Finally in my frustration, I ripped off the scarf and got my hairbrush out of the drawer and began to run it over my bald head, crying all the while. How was it I spent so many years complaining about my hair? Was this my payback? Was this another of my life's lessons to be learned?

Luckily, Carl came in just then and rescued me from myself. Seeing my tears, he just pulled me close and held me. And it was okay again. After a few moments, I pulled it together, and was ready to make another attempt at the scarf.

Yes, I guess it was another life lesson I needed to learn. And I got it this time. For, I know that when I do get my hair back, no matter what color it comes in or how straight or curly is, I will never, ever complain about it.