Before Sarah’s prom last week, her friend Taylor came over to set her hair. When she was done, Sarah unearthed an old bandana and wore it over the pin curls for several hours.
I wasn’t the only one . . .
who looked at that bandana-ed girl and thought about . . .
cancer.
It was also on Steve’s mind. In fact, he somberly told me, “When I first caught a glimpse of her wearing that bandana, I thought that this is what she would look like if the cancer ever came back.”
When I asked Sarah, she said basically the same thing. 
She was startled to see the memory of cancer staring back at her from the mirror.
When Sarah’s hair was released from the bandana and brushed into beauty, I sent her off to the prom. As I did, I thought of all the moms of all the daughters who didn’t get the chance to play with hairstyles and shop for a dress because of cancer.
And I was sad.
Although I am so thankful for this woman child of mine who’s been blessed to live these extra years . . .
I can’t help but think back to those days when she was a skinny, bald, beautiful child who loved to smile and loved to dance—even though there was no promise that she would survive even one more year.
I’m grateful for the times my baby has chosen to dance, even in the shadow of death.
And I’m sad for each mom and dad who saw their dancing child taken away too soon.
It’s a lesson for you. A lesson for me. Our years are short. The future isn’t guaranteed.
Life is full of music.
Shall we dance?
I want to mention that some neighbors of ours (about 15 minutes up on the beach) are going through a very rough time right now. Nathan Lawrenson is the music minister at a local church and his wife,Trish, is in ICU at Duke, fighting for her life, waiting for lungs to become available. We have met them a couple of times at various church functions and they are a wonderful, dear couple. Here is the link to his blog.
I must admit my heart sank when I first logged into your blog after being away from sometime. I saw that picture and thought “oh god no, please not Sarah”. Then…I scrolled down and I had a huge smile on my face looking at that beautiful woman in her gorgeous dress. That beautiful young woman who is a survivor. Something I think that runs in her blood.
Alyssa,
Yes, that was sort of a sobering picture, wasn’t it? I know it really got MY attention as I looked at it and thought about how blessed we are that she really doesn’t need that bandanna. So thankful.
A beautiful story!
Amy–thank you! We have so much to be thankful for.
I saw the picture of your beautiful Sarah, and I thought the same thing. So glad she is here to dance!
Have been praying for Tricia and Nate and family.
Angela,
I’m also glad Sarah is here to dance–what a blessing she is. And yes, our prayers also continue to Tricia and Nate. They are in such a tough, tough place.
love that picture of Sarah and Victoria.
always praying for Tricia… thanks for the info.
Mrs. Pam,
I know–isn’t that such a great photo of the two of them?
My thoughts exactly about the bandana. Took me a second or two to refocuse. So glad there were curls beneath and health inside. Prayers to the Lawrensons. And, prayers for all those in different shoes right now with loved ones fighting the beast.
Mary,
You said it perfectly. “Prayers for all those in different shoes right now with loved ones fighting the beast.”
Gorgeous!
Robin, thank you. That girl can do gorgeous!
I thought the same thing when I saw the picture. Just for an instant before I read the title. Also it has become quite amazing how many people know the Lawrensons. I was not aware that they were known far and wide. So many prayers going up for her and she needs us all to continue. So glad you mentioned them on your blog.
ncbev,
Mentioning the Lawrensons on the blog is the least I could do; so glad to know that so many people are thinking of them today.