In Memory Of Carolyn Just
You know — it's interesting the way that we all impact each others' lives.
Sometimes we know someone for the briefest moment . . . and we never forget them.
As a Hairdresser — I have met literally hundreds of people over the years — and I am forever blessed by that. Today, I want to tell you about Carolyn.
When I was a very young Hairdresser — I answered the telephone at the salon where I was working. As the woman was talking to me — I could hear her voice "breaking" in emotion. She was explaining to me that she had recently gone through Chemotherapy and had lost all of her hair. Her hair had fallen out completely during treatment and she had been wearing a wig for a very long time. Now her hair had grown in — and some of her friends were encouraging her to toss her wig into the trash.
She asked me if I had experience with people in her situation and if I could help her.
I desperately needed clients . . . so I said "Of course!" In reality — I had never given Cancer a moment of thought. I was barely over 20 years old and absolutely ignorant about Cancer. Radiation. Chemotherapy. I always had the idea that you get Cancer . . . and then you die. I had never known anyone who had actually survived.
When Carolyn arrived — I noticed that she was sort of hunched over and looking at the floor. She seemed nervous. To be fair — this was the 80's and I had a nose ring — a couple of tattoos — and wild MTV hair. Carolyn was an elementary school teacher and must have been terrified when she saw me.
As she removed her wig — I noticed that she was trembling a little bit. She seemed embarrassed. Embarrassed! Can you imagine?! Today we "Race For The Cure" in Pink T-shirts. Even NFL Players wear "Pink" in support of Cancer Patients!
I placed my hands on her shoulders — looked her in the eye — and gently told her that it would be "Okay." A nice new shape would make her hair look better and she could free herself from that dreadful wig. I told her that she would be Beautiful . . . and I meant it.
As I started cutting her hair — I realized that "Chemo Hair" really IS a strange texture. It is hard to describe. It's just weird — but I also knew that a decent shape was 100% better than what she had. As her new hair started to take shape — she took in a deep breath and started to relax. I saw her smile — and her fears began to dissolve.
When Carolyn left the salon that day — she was smiling! Her eyes were twinkling and she was holding her head and shoulders high! This was the first moment that I realized the "Power of Touch." Carolyn taught me that the RELATIONSHIP a Hairdresser can have with a client can actually make them FEEL better! That "WE" make a difference! I learned that the way clients "feel" is every bit as important as how they "look." Wow! What a GIFT she gave me.
Carolyn and I developed a great relationship built on trust and compassion. She sent friends and co-workers to see me. She referred other Cancer Patients. I even got to know her young sons. Unfortunately — after a few short years of remission — her cancer returned. She fought so hard to survive for her kids!
Sadly — Carolyn was the first client that I lost — but I have been blessed to have known her — and I will never forget the GRACE and BEAUTY of the woman that she was.
If you are a Cancer Patient — there are many things that I — as a Hairdresser — can do to help you. In the beginning — some of you will choose to shave your heads instead of helplessly watching it fall. So talk to your Hairdresser — most of us will do that for you. You DO NOT have to go through this alone.
Some of you will wear a wig. Let us "Shape" it for you. I know one gorgeous young woman who chose to wear her bald head with pride! She looked so beautiful . . . and so brave! Technology has given us products to help your hair grow in faster and healthier. We can help you understand your new hair texture. We can assist you in healing your dehydrated skin. We can cry with you and celebrate with you. Remember — you DO NOT have to go through this alone.
If you are a Hairdresser — reading this — please take CARE with all of your clients. Offer them the respect and compassion that they deserve.
Please remember Carolyn.
