Locks of Love

Before...It seems like the past few years our little family has known way too many people who have been affected by cancer. We have had friends, ward members, cousins, etc.. who have it. It has been hard to deal with and even harder to try and tell our kids about. We have tried to be honest and open with them without scaring them too much. Madison is always concerned and asking questions so we have had many (too many) talks about cancer, white blood cells, meds., hospitals, chemo therapy etc... She knows that some people don't make it and others do. She knows that some people are in the hospital and others get to come home and be with their families. And she knows that some medications cause people to loose their hair and others get chubby cheeks. It hurts me to think that at five she has already been so affected by this disease. We try to keep positive about it but there really isn't much positive about cancer. But, leave it to Madison, she will make anything seem bright and cheery!

Madison has always had a giving side to her; wanting to help me around the house, give flowers to people, making bracelets and pictures for family and friends etc... But I really saw her special spirit when she told me that she wanted to give her hair to Locks of Love for kids who don't have hair. I had done it in high school and told her about how my hair was really long and they cut it short and gave my ponytail to help make a wig for a special girl or boy who didn't have hair. Madison thought that would be a good idea and has been wanting to donate her hair for months now. We decided to wait until my sister was here so all three of us could do it together. I sort of thought she might forget about it or get cold feet and not want to do it anymore but by the time August was ending, she was pleading with me to go with her to get it cut. And so we did!

It was a special experience and we are all grateful for Madison's example and excitement. I was super attached to my long hair for some reason and was finding it difficult to admit to people that I was going to cut it off. But, I couldn't look that little girl in the face without smiling and wanting to be just as excited about it as she was. We found a salon in the city that specializes in Locks of Love cuts and even does them for free. Mom came along to document the moment and the boys went to the park. It was quick, easy, and I am so glad we did it together! Madison has told everyone she sees about it and asks "do you like my new haircut? I did it for locks of love!" She is so proud, and so am I!

After...