Strong woman haircut

I had noticed her at the Health Club before–a walking advertisement of what a Health Club devotee should be. Firm–where I was flabby—straight where I was slumped–a living example for what our aerobics instructor was talking about when she said, “Shoulders back, chin up, stomach in.” Thirty-something–long, blond hair; she was a New York model, thin, elegant and aloof.

I didn’t know her name and was surprised when she spoke to me in the instant intimacy of the dressing room.

“I just wanted to tell you that I admire someone your age getting a strong woman haircut. I”m thinking of getting one myself.

I had to laugh. “This isn’t a strong woman haircut–this is a weak woman’s desperation.“ I said. I went on to explain how I had just completed six months of chemotherapy, had lost all my blond hair, and this grey thatch was what was returning.

I saw her mask of sophistication shift and an insecure little-girl expression emerged.

“Oh I’m so sorry,” she stammered, “I’m always doing this. Just last week I asked a fat woman when her baby was due –and she wasn’t even pregnant!”

I still don’t know her name, but because of her words I came to this class the very next week without a hat or a wig proudly displaying–my strong-woman haircut.