On Sunday August 8, 2010 I finally cut my hair! 24 inches was cut off and it feels amazing!
It was a fantastic day! The support I received from friends, family and the community was amazing! My friends, Tracy and Tony of TIJA Ceramic Studio (http://www.tijaceramicstudio.com/) generously donated their location for the event. I cannot thank them enough for allowing me the opportunity to invite all my friends and family to come out and share this day with me. Tracy's uncle Ric Nattress of the 1989 Stanley Cup - Calgary Flames and current General Manager and Head Coach of the Stoney Creek Warriors was also there to show his support and sign autographs for our guests!
We had lots of pretty awesome prizes that were donated from many local businesses and some very generous friends! We even had a Blu-Ray player donated from an electronics store.
The musical entertainment provided by Chris (Kabooby), Matt and Sasha was perfect and enjoyed by everyone.
Tricia of TIJA Ceramic Studio was very busy assisting people paint the pottery awareness ribbons we had available that day! She was also a very helpful assistant to Chris during the raffle draws.
I can't even begin to tell Chris, my parents and Chris's parents how grateful I am for all the love, help and support the gave me before, during and after the event. I really couldn't have done this without them!
Grace from Vero Salon was there to oversee the cutting of my 4 ponytails. Chris, my parents and Chris's mom each cut one of my ponytails. As each one removed a ponytail, I could feel the weight lift from my neck and shoulders. I'm sure part of that feeling was because of the weight of my hair but I'm positive that it is also because I had finally achieved what I had set out to do. My goal was to cut and donate my hair as well as raise funds and awareness for Angel Hair for Kids - a program of A Child's Voice Foundation. When I saw that room full of people, and felt the first cut of my hair, I knew I had succeeded. It wasn't until later that I also discovered that in less than 3 hours, we had also raised over $500 for Angel Hair for Kids!
As if the day wasn't emotional enough, just after I had my hair cut I was approached by a lady and her beautiful 9 year old daughter. The young girl had a ponytail in her hand that she had cut off her own hair a few weeks prior! She had read about my event in the paper and had come down to give her hair to Angel Hair for Kids as well!
How could my day get any better?
About 20 minutes after my first surprise guest arrived, another gorgeous 11 year old girl appeared with her family and her ponytail that she was also wanting to send to Angel Hair for Kids!
St. Francis stated "For it is in giving that we receive." I can now honestly say that this is a quote to live by. I hope that many people are feeling as I am right now. The amazing feelings of that day are a wonderful gift that I will keep with me forever. I have something no one can ever take away from me!
