Once upon a time, I found a beautiful soul to take care of my hair. I went through a lot of Groupons before I found her. My hair is not easy. It can be quite mop like. An average appointment for me is about 4 hours – between the cut and the color. I also like to change the color on a whim which frustrates most hairdressers and causes them to lecture me or make me schedule multiple appointments.
She was different. She’d do whatever I’d like. A Friday night with her was like a Friday night with an old friend. She’d not only cut and color my hair, but she’d share her goodies with me and we always had a great time. I’d leave not only with a great haircut but a feeling like my soul had been nourished.
Then came COVID and no one could get a haircut. The mop on my head grew straggly and the grays came through with more prevalence. I missed my friend and I couldn’t wait to see her again. And when I did, something was different. I couldn’t see her beautiful hair. My heart sank. She shared with me that she had cancer. But she was on the mend. Plenty of people recover from cancer now. She told me not to worry. My hopes were high.
I saw her again months later and her hair was growing back and she looked great. She mentioned some additional symptoms but she didn’t seem concerned. When I left that appointment, I hugged her tightly.
Months after that, in December of 2020 I had another appointment. She reached out to cancel. The cancer had returned and she said that she would not be able to do my hair. She told me she’d understand if I found someone else. But I didn’t want to. I wanted her. I told her my hair would be fine and not to worry and that I would see her soon.
I sent her a text in February of 2021, not about my hair, but to check in. I didn’t hear back. I was worried, but figured she was taking care of herself. In an effort to not burden her, I did find someone else to do my hair. Someone who is now a friend and someone who is wonderful at her craft.
But I thought about my dear KS often, wondering how she was doing but afraid to check in for fear of burdening her. For whatever reason, all these months later, I googled her name. I now know she is gone. She never got my message in February because she left us in January of 2021.
How I wish I could have done more…
I did not expect this so soon after she contacted me, but I guess I should have. This beautiful friend, wife, and mother is gone too soon and my heart is with her family.
KS – I’m so grateful to have known you. And I will live my life a bit more fully in your honor.
