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The big event did turn out to be just that. There were so many people at Ceili’s Pub for our fundraiser it was difficult to navigate around the tables and to the silent auction items. That is not a bad thing. Really, when doing a fundraiser one would always hope for a big turnout.
It was wonderful to see all the family and friends of the people being shaved. There were people there from several of the classes I have facilitated over the years who had come out to cheer me on. It was a very heartwarming sight!
In the end we had approximately 40 people shave. Some shaved mustaches, beards, their heads, or all three. We even had one man shave his chest. THAT was a sight to behold – or maybe not. I am still trying to erase the images of Steve and his bare chest from my memory! We even had some last minute shavers, men who were inspired watching others. They went around and collected donations on the spot then came up to get their heads’ shaved. It is very exciting to be a part of that kind of energy.
I was in the last group being shaved. All day long I had been fine. People kept stopping me in the hallway asking how I was and I was totally calm, cool and collected. I was calming others down. One woman from my office kept begging me not to do it! Not to shave my head. I was amazed at how detached I felt about the whole thing really. I have always cried so easily! In the afternoon I wrote a letter to put into the Ziploc bag I would place my hair in to be donated for making a wig. I was fine when I wrote the letter, fine when I printed it off and signed it. I was fine right up to the moment when I folded it and placed it into the bag. Then I burst into tears. I was not upset, I just felt overwhelmingly touched thinking of a young girl who would likely benefit from my doing this. I felt so blessed and so grateful I am able to so this for someone!
I went down the block to the Hair Salon just before the event and had my hair freshly shampooed and dried so it was as clean as possible when they cut it off. I don’t think they have someone go in very often and ask for a wash and dry with no styling, no product or anything. Flora, the woman who did my hair for me was delightful and very sweet. At the end, when she was done, she said it was on her – no charge. I was very touched by her generosity and promised when I have enough length back I will go to her so she can give me a new style.
It was crowded and very hot at Ceili’s when I got back from having my hair washed. The venue was filling up quickly. It continued to get hotter and hotter. I found a good position for watching the people being shaved ahead of me and cheered them on. When it came to my turn to sit in the chair I was astounded at the number of people crowded around to watch, taking pictures and video taping the action. I suddenly had a sense of what it is like for some celebrities being followed by paparazzi. It was very overwhelming and surreal. I am told there was a member of the press there, though I do not know what publication he was with. All I know is he sure shot a LOT of pictures!
I had decided going into Ceili’s on Thursday I needed to give up control over my hair. I had intended to walk in there and tell them how to cut it. These ladies were all professional hair stylists and knew what they were doing. It was important for me to let go of control in order to be able to let go of my hair. First it was put into three ponytails, and then the ponytails were cut off. The hair was immediately placed into the plastic bag with my letter. Once that was done, out came the razor and the job was quickly completed. I had told my mom we would be able to see just how often I had been dropped on my head. I was mildly concerned about what the shape of my scalp would really be like. I know how often I have bashed my own head so I fully expected several bumps and dents. I appear to have a very smooth and round head! To my surprise it is very well shaped.
It is all over and done with now. The hair has been swept up, the lights have been turned off, any my hair is on its way to the organization that will take it and make it into a wig. Nothing left to do but enjoy getting to wear all my hats!
Overall this has been a great experience. And who knows, maybe I will do it again some day. Depends on how long my hair gets before I get too gray!
Thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged me along this journey. I am blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.
With gratitude… Mary
