There is a hauntingly beautiful photo series called "Fallen Princesses" by Dina Goldstein. In it, she explores princess culture and how "happily ever after" is a false concept. She portrays popular princesses following the "credits"…Belle obsessed with maintaining her beauty utilizing plastic surgery, an obese Little Red and Rapunzel losing her long hair as she battles cancer.
Tomorrow I start my next round of chemo. But today? Today I'm in charge of my own life. Today, Neil and the boys came with me to the salon. I met with a lovely woman named Jenny and she kindly (and empathetically) helped me by shaving my hair.
Julian was mercifully distracted by another stylist, while Vaughn played a game on my phone. Neil stood next to me and held my hand. When it was done, Julian looked over…his lip quivered and he said, "Mommy…?" I grabbed him up and gave him a hug, reassuring him as much as I could. Jenny asked Julian if he wanted to come with while she washed my hair. So, off the three of us went. I grabbed him and held him in my lap as Jenny gently washed my newly shaved head. He looked up, brushed his hand against my head, looked me in my eyes and quietly said, "You're beautiful, Mommy!"
And that's when I knew that no matter how much this sucks, I'll be okay.
~M
Aww, Julian is a sweetheart.
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