Before
After
I have one disclaimer about the after photo. I had Steve take this picture later in the afternoon right after I had walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes.
I got my new hair style in the morning and I couldn't wait to pick up the kids from school. I even asked Steve if he thought the kids would recognize me. I was so excited when 11:55 rolled around and we were en route to the school. The anticipation of seeing the amazed looks on their faces was killing me. I even told Steve, "Well now you know Jane will want to get her hair cut as soon as she sees me."
We waited at the classroom door as other parents signed for their kids. Even the other parents were telling me how they liked my haircut. Finally, I made it to the front of the line and the teacher called the kids' names to excuse them. Out the door they came and I just knew the girls and maybe Ryan would give a big, "OHHHH Mommy!" But they walked out of class, looked at me, said, "Hi Mom," and they walked right past me. Not a word was spoken about my new do. We got to the car and as Steve buckled them in I asked, "Do I look any different???" They just looked at me curiously and said simply, "No." Then on to more important things they asked what was for lunch.
As I pondered this whole "haircut experience" and my grand expectations of my kids' reactions, I gained an interesting perspective. How humbling it is to be a parent. And whether you're making lunch or battling cancer, they expect you to be there for them. It's just understood that you will show up and they may not even notice your new haircut. But that's ok because you're there and they love and appreciate you for that.
Well anyway, hopefully the new haircut will ease the pain of thinning from the chemo. That was the point. And I feel a little lighter and that's always good. I love you all.
9 comments:
Hi Baby,
What a beautiful woman! Long hair or short you certainly are a vibrant, caring person. I've enjoyed all of your blogs and the greater insight you've given us into exactly who you are as a mother, wife, daughter and friend.
Your blogs are almost like a soap opera; to be continued tomorrow. And that's what keeps us coming back for more. I know you're feeling frustrated because you feel that no one is listening (or reading) but I have a long list of people who are reading your blog and wishing you the very best at every turn. People like our friend, Tom Page and his wife Barbara who posted a comment on your January 24th blog where he is asking the people at his church to pray for you; your Uncle Joe,cousin Tracy, Aunt Barbara (who always posts a note), not to mention all of the people who send me e-mails asking about you. People like my former high school classmates (Kathy, Dani, Evie and Frank)and your Uncles and Aunts (Bill & Nancy, Jim & Sheran, Bob & Kathleen)and all of my associates at work not to mention property managers and associate contractors, all of whom ask to be remembered to you. Of course, this doesn't include all of the marvelous people at LAPD who have all been there for you and asking about you. They're all thinking good thoughts and praying for positive results in your coming chemo battle.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that you are a wonderful inspiration for all of us and we sit at our computers reading your blog thinking of the tremendous courage and power that you exude in your determination to overcome this daunting challenge.
Words fail us. What can we say when we're not the ones in your shoes? We're praying for you? (we are) We wish you the best? (we do) Call us if you need anything?(we do mean it, but don't expect that you'll call) All words seem meaningless and hollow. This is the time for us all to be uplifting, supportive and remember the fun, laughter and the good times we've had in the past and will have in the future. Like all of the good things you're teaching the triplets on fly catching (Get the bastard, Mom!) and the Mom and Dad comedy act we plan on bringing back to Long Beach (we're not old and feeble, just arthritic and forgetful).
Please don't disappoint us about the blog. We love you so much.
Dad
Hello again, Baby. I forgot to mention your #1 supporter out of the good old Northwest; Robin reads your blog religiously and I am totally remiss in not mentioning her in the previous comment. I don't know what we would have done without her when you had your colon surgery. She is, indeed, an angel in disguise.
Love you,
Dad
Yes, I'm here everyday looking for updates. I love your haircut. You lo0k beautiful. Much love to you, Aunt Kathleen
Dad forgot to mention your little brother and his "littler" wife. :) And the hair looks great! Love yas,
Mac
Mac, I LOVED your comment. You know if this was your blog, I would've been forgotten about too! LOVE YAS!!!
Just for the record I've been threatened with divorce and mayhem if I ever write another blog comment after cocktails and/or 7:00 P.M. I can hardly wait for your sister to add her insight.
Hi Beth, Steve, and kids,
I love it, love it, love it! You look FABULOUS, but I knew you would. Sure wish I could look that good after 30 minutes on the treadmill. Thanks so much for sending the pictures, we were all looking forward to seeing the "new you".
Isn't it great to know that our kids just see us as their moms and nothing else. I love what you wrote about their reactions. Looking back on raising my kids, I sure can think of lots of things I hope they...don't remember.
Well Beth, you look just great. Looking at you now, no one would ever know what you've been through these last few weeks. Keep doing what you're doing, it's working. We all love you and can't wait to see you. Maybe we can reschedule that Murphy Family Reunion soon, love Auntie Barbara and family
Auntie Barbara, I love you so much! I always look forward to your comments and the support you have shown Steve, the kids and me is beyond words. I truly cannot express my gratitude to you for the unending positivity, prayers, and kind thoughts for us all. I was so disappointed about the cancellation of the Murphy reunion. Everytime I see Me-Mom I mention to her that I think we should still go ahead with it. I just want to give you a great big hug! Thanks again for all your support. We all love you!!!
Beth and the gang
Dad M said so much of what I was thinking that I hesitated writing. You are beautiful, articulate, and hep to the design of God's universe - love and being grateful for all that is happening even though we don't see now the why of it all. Staying in Faith as Job did is the strength of your character and inspirational to us all. I love you so much and am humbled by the breadth of your being.
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