We did something last night that needed to be done. We’ve discussed it as a family for months but were waiting until we were all on the same page. After enjoying a great holiday, we figured we could handle anything. Everything else we had tried hadn’t been working and it was starting to look really bad. It was time. Besides, we needed Anna to be here. She’s not just our family cheerleader, but she’s our family barber.

We shaved Jack’s head last night. His hair has been thinning for a couple of years and there was no magic shampoo or haircut that could hide it anymore. Anna kept reminding us that “bald is beautiful” and showing us photos of handsome men with a “clean look”. Our hesitation had nothing to do with not liking a bald look, it was that we have seen Jack bald before and those are days that we don’t want to remember.

But Jack is NOT sick. I like to blame ALD for most things, but there are other genes lurking in my family tree that might be at work. It was time.

When I walked into Jack’s room this morning, I did need to make sure that I had plastered a believable smile on my face. It’s going to take me a minute to get used to his new look. Change is tough — but he looks very handsome – just different.

Who knows – this shave might be a reset for his hair follicles, and Jack could return to needing shampoo, but for now he is bald and beautiful!! AND, he is in need of some new winter hats!!!

Love, Jess