Dear Abby,

I know you want to celebrate today, but I also know you are anxious because the Chemo starts tomorrow. Your “Cold Caps” are prepped and ready, plus they really look easy to use. I believe in the past results and have great confidence they will be successful preserving the hair that “had me at hello”. But, if we find they’re not working, let me assure you of several things.

Your girlfriends don’t love you for the red locks. They love you because you listen. Because you ask questions and because you’re goofy. Because on the night when they’re being crazy at CityWalk, they know you will get them on that boat and back to the hotel. Because you’re consistent and always there. Because you remembered what it's like to be a New Mom and you helped your fellow New Mom. Because you LOVE to talk and because when you really let loose you yell things like “Can a sista get a PB&J?!?!” It was never the hair.

Loyalty > Distance

I looked for a photo of you and Quinn's mom everywhere…..settled for one with your  kid spittin game on her daughter

My buddies didn’t accept you all these years as “one of the guys” because of the red locks. They love you because you’re nosy. Because you’ll go out on the dance floor with them and “break it down”. Because you always ask if they’ve “got any new ladies?” and, if not, you always endorse match.com as an option. Because you tell it like it is. Because you’re fun and because you genuinely love them.

I have several questions about this later

On the left: Stud…In the middle: Smokin Hott….On the right: Dweeb

Either the straw is AMAZINGLY placed, or Bobby grew a sweet stache!

Your family doesn’t love and admire you because of the red locks. They love you because you put family first and have NEVER missed a Finger Family Reunion. Because you’ve always been cool. Because you love to laugh and because you give a great hug each time you see them. It was never the hair.

And trust me, your nieces could care less too. They love you because you’ll be crazy and play with them. Because you love to give them AWESOME birthday and Christmas presents. Because you’ll stay up late with them and annoy them early in the morning. Because they know you love them like your own and that you were there on day 1. Because you’re cool Aunt Abby.  

It’s not the red hair that makes your sisters drop everything on a dime in order to be there for you. They do it because you’re the baby. Because they see both of themselves in you. Because they’d trade places with you in a second if they could. Because you love them unconditionally. It was never the hair.

Your parents (and the parents In-Law) aren’t proud of you for your layers, bangs, or highlights. They’re proud because you have ALWAYS made them proud. Because you’ve always done the right thing. Because you gave them a grandson. Because you are strong and because they prayed for you long before your arrival.

Judd loves you because you’re the first face he sees EVERY Day. Because you were the first face he EVER saw. Because you let him splash you in the bath. Because you snuggle with him in the mornings. Because you dance to Elmo Sing-Along songs. Because you brush his teeth and pack his lunch. Because you can’t sleep until he sleeps. Because you’re Momma. It was never the hair.

I love you because I always have, and I always will. Because you challenge me (and because you kind of scare the heck out of me). Because of those times when it’s just us and we are literally laughing so hard about something my stomach hurts. Because you let me play golf AND because you know you have to at least watch The Masters, Open, Open, and PGA. Because you make me cook. Because we became friends in freshmen “homeroom” and I knew I had to marry you. Because you didn’t dump me the first time I accidentally “tooted” in front of you. Because of that day on the beach in St. Martin, and because we’ll ALWAYS have the night we drank sangria and ate Tapas outside on a spring Barcelona night. Because you’re my binge TV partner. Because you made me a Dad, and because the inside of my ring says Forever 04-12-2008. It was never the hair.

 

What.A.Night.

Damn I love you.

The next 4-5 months will challenge you and test your strength. We know you are ready and that this will all fly by. Focus on the important stuff and trust God with the stuff that may (or may not) need to grow back. On behalf of every friend, sister, coworker, parent, Aunt, Uncle, Step-sibling, Sibling-in-law, neighbor, patient, niece, or anyone else whom loves you in Ocala or beyond…..Remember……

It Was Never The Hair.

Happy Mother's Day. 

-All of Us

(P.S. BTW…..For me…..it was the skills on the dance floor. Whoa!)