When I was in college, I used to have a few friends who started to go gray. I thought to myself that it must be a fluke, some sort of Steve Martin scenario. I knew it would be forever before I would have to face the gray. Then I had 3 kids in 3 years and after my last baby, they came for me. Yes, I said THEY. Because you see, the gray isn't just a single strand, a lone wolf. No, it travels in a pack of hungry wolves devouring all of your youth and taking no prisoners.
I first found out about it while I was shopping with a friend. She had recently colored my hair and while browsing the ladies department we casually talked about how some of our friends were starting to go gray. I "felt bad" for those poor girls and was so lucky I hadn't succumbed to that fate yet. She bashfully said, "Um, yes you have." What? No, I would know if I did. I'm positive I would. She then proceeded to tell me that she found a whole bunch of them in the back of my head but just colored them and didn't say anything. Can I just take the time to say something right now?
A true friend sees you have gray hair, but doesn't say anything about it.
Since that fateful day, I have been obsessive compulsive about my grays. It's something I notice so much everytime I look in the mirror. I know that I'm probably overreacting. I mean, it cannot possibly be the first thing people see. But then again, maybe it is?
It's hard to swallow the fact that I have officially entered this strange and mysterious world. The world where your knees don't quite work like they used to, and suddenly the wrinkle cream aisle doesn't look half bad. Well I might be getting older, but that doesn't mean I'm old yet. I'm not going down without a fight. Maybe a trip to Paris, or a skydiving adventure? I don't know. But I'm embracing this new hair color. Because, let's face it, I've earned every one.
3 comments:
First off being blonde is a HUGE advantage cause no one can even tell. Secondly after Hamnah I developed my first real wrinkle on the corner of my mouth and I am obssed about it! Just bought some fancy serum from Clinque & seriously day dream of Botox.
My grandmother has always told me that the best thing about being redheaded is that we don't go gray...our hair just gets "mousey." I can't decide if I think that's good or not? :) But i agree girl - you have earned each.and.every.one. of those gray hairs. Wear them (you know, colored) proudly!!
Well, I'm quite happy to hear that you are embracing the gray. I might be in the minority, but I think gray hair is beautiful (except for the gray hairs that get wiry and stick out ... those are a pain). Debbie would love a full head of gray hair, but so far, it's only coming in piecemeal. We can hope, right?
As for me, I had to give up hopes for a nice head of gray hair when said hairs decided to abandon ship nearly thirty years ago. Apparently my beard has taken pity on me, though, for it appears that eventually it might go all the way. That's right, you'll never see me grabbing a box of "Just For Men". I, too, have embraced the gray.
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