Proper Perspective

I have dealt with a condition called Alopecia Areata for almost 20 years now. Quick definition: Alopecia is a genetic auto-immune disease which causes hair loss. I found my first bald patch when I was 14. For the last 19 years I have experienced every stage of loss. I have had many years of patches coming and going, I lost all of the hair on my scalp 10 years ago, then it regrew 18 months later. I had some patches after the births of my two daughters. Then it grew back. Then I had a crazy case of Hep A which I contracted at the time I brought my little Haitian son home. I was sick for many months and I again lost all of my hair. It has now been over 2 years and no signs of regrowth. I have also lost my eyebrows, lower eyelashes, nose hairs, cilia in my ears and lungs, and patches over the rest of my body.

For a woman living in a society where looks are so important and seem to equate our worth, it has been a struggle. But I've grown a lot, I hope. I still fight the fight. I hope and pray it grows back. But I've been able to get to a place where I feel okay to look at myself in the mirror. It is my goal to be able to look at my reflection at any time and say, "That's me and I'm okay however I look." And that is my challenge to each of you who happens upon my post. Our weight may go up and down. Our skin may look beautiful or really blotchy. We may have beautiful hair or we may not. But that reflection in the mirror is not who you truly are. If you don't believe me, dig a little deeper.

Today at dinner Grace touched her bruised cheek then looked at Jason and said, "Oh, dad...I think this is going to hurt until my resurrection." I had to quickly cover my mouth with a napkin and fake a cough so she wouldn't hear me laugh. But it also touched me to know that somewhere inside her is the understanding that the things of this life are temporary.


This photo is a picture of me with my Dad. He also has Alopecia Areata and I inherited it from him. Sometimes he feels guilty about this but if I have inherited anything else of his intellect or compassion then the Alopecia is certainly worth it. I like to see the love he has for me on his face and to think about how much more my other Father (in Heaven) loves me. When I remember these things, I know how badly they want me to be happy for this short time I have on this Earth. I can look at this photo and I am not disgusted any longer by what I see. It helps me have more of a proper perspective.