shearing the paschal lamb?
I read recently that the best thing to do once your hair starts falling out is to shave your head, otherwise it's quite painful. So when my scalp started hurting last night I figured it was time. As long as I have to lose my hair, why not have some fun with it? My friend Elizabeth and I joined the pre-Easter, end-of-Spring-break crowd at JP Hair Designs for this fancy "do." The place was recommended by my regular hair salon and by one of my African American friends Tomika -- with special emphasis on the artistry of stylist Spencer Johnson.
Though he was quite busy, Spencer agreed to squeeze me in. Elizabeth and I sat waiting and giggling in a place full of Black men & boys. JP and Spencer knew about my diagnosis and were very supportive, and the process was quite quick and painless.
Afterwards I texted my sister Rachel a picture. She said it looked cool and asked how it felt, and my response was, it feels cool -- both literally and figuratively!
While the paschal lamb reference to the holiday of Passover and the traditional sacrificial lamb is mostly intended as humor, and this shave is mostly for practicality and fun, it is not lost on me that my first thought when I saw myself in the mirror was that I look like a monastic. There are many, many spiritual and religious resonances with shaving one's head -- in humility, sacrifice, letting go of self, shedding one's identity, a snake shedding its skin in transformation, Inanna / Persephone shedding her veils on the way down into the underworld.... somehow it seems like an important ritual, proclaiming my dedication to this journey, my willingness to cut away what is unnecessary or harmful, to take strong medicine and kill cells, in order to reclaim life.
Plus it made for a very grand entrance at seder tonight, which included 5 girls ages 5 through 14, who ended the evening singing the most rousing versions of Echad Mi Yodeah and Chad Gadyah that I've ever heard.
Comments (29)
Stunning - both the canvas of your head and the witness of your heart. A deep bow to you.
You go girl!
You look beautiful, and I love your playful embrace of this journey.
Totally serious!
Shalom Becca, I have a big grin on my face after reading your post. I find it amazing and amusing, your ability to do something hard with infinite grace, wisdom and humor. With live, Bilha
beautiful! (in so many ways!)
You look great
It looks terrific, actually! Does the design symbolize anything?
Wow! Beautiful haircut. When I started reading my first reaction was that it was too early in the process to cut your hair: none has fallen out. But as I kept reading my respect for you grew and grew. You take the paschal lamb by the horns, so to speak. You may have shed one skin but you grew in depth and assertiveness. Chag sameach, sweetheart, to you and Don. Much love, Joan
I LOVE IT! char
You are a beautiful person both inside and out. I love the new do!! Thank you for sharing all of your thoughts, anxieties, struggles and escapades with us. It makes prayers for you even more meaningful.
A second request as to the styling......your designs? religious symbols. etc? I would think everyone wants to talk about your new, brave "do". The new, spring weather is cooperating too. Mary LS
One word.....BEAUTIFUL!! I would expect nothing less from you. Admiring your wonderfully positive attitudes and your sweet heart. Chris R.
What a wonderful way to add joy to your life. I think you have a monastic spirit - your new "do" - adds a completeness to that. It seems almost natural on you. I thank God for your great courage and beautiful introspections.
You look beautiful! What a wonderful design! Your smile is great in the photo. Great celebratory cut! :)
A beautiful soul you are, with and without hair on your head. Chag samayach!
I love it! What a great idea to have some fun with the cut and design. Hopefully spring will truly settle in and it won't be so "cool" on your head for long!
Absolutely brilliant - YOU and your gorgeous haircut!
Love the hairstyle - reflection of playfulness, meaning, resilience. If the pattern gets tanned (please, not sunburned!), the pattern might stay around for a while after the hair is gone?
It looks great!!!
SUPER COOL!
powerful words and process love the hair
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!
Becca, You look great! Thanks for sharing. Crystel
a gorgeous cut for the health and heart warrior you are.
woo hoo. Cancer is no match for the warrior woman!
Radically chic!
You"re a rockstar!
Absolutely beautiful, Becca! And thank you for sharing from the very depths of the experience , dear.