No hair
It’s the launch of “A Dance in Time” tonight and I have almost no hair.
I have almost no hair because I have been having cancer treatment and last week, it started to fall out. In clumps. (Great timing!)
So what to do? I could wear a wig. I could wear a scarf. I could wear a hat.
Except wigs are tight and uncomfortable, a scarf makes me feel like Mystic Meg and I’ve never been a hat person.
A part of me wants to disguise that I’ve been sick. I’ve always taken pride in being Ms-fit-and-healthy, with my walking, jogging, yoga and dance and my vegetarian diet.
And I don’t want the cancer, or the treatment, overshadowing the book. The launch is about the book.
And I know signifiers of sickness make some people uncomfortable.
As do women without hair.
Yes, it’s a girl thing. My new hairstyle is the same as my brothers’ and nobody has ever suggested to any of them that they should wear a wig.
“Oh quit it, sis,” says brother Cathal. “At least yours will grow back.”
True.
But for now, this is how it is.
And that’s what wins it in the end. I might wish it otherwise but this is how it it is.
So I have decided: no wig, no scarf, no hat.
Just me, in front of the audience, bald.
Just me, just as I am.
Hi Orna
I am so sad that I have missed the launch. I couldn’t get there. Maybe I could come to the launch of your next book?
r
Just as you are is truly beautiful.
I hope that your evening brought you joy.
x
Got a shock when I saw you yes, but you definitely made the right choice about the hair. Enjoyed the launch, am enjoying the book and love the new look website and blog.
All the best
Siobhán
Thanks lovely Caroline. I don’t know about beautiful but yes, we had a good night and gave “A Dance in Time” a good kick off.
Siobhan, I’m so glad you had a good night. I was happy with the hair choice too — it felt right in the end. Thanks so much for all the good wishes. And good luck with your own project — let me know how it goes.
Romans – will definitely get you again!
Orna
I know this is an older post but I wanted to give you a cheer for the courage to go naked. As a former head nudist I have to say that other people get used to the baldness before we do.
Best wishes for wonderful health!
[...] A little over a year ago, when physical weakness from illness and treatment took me away from my normal writing activities and made me question every aspect of my life and work, I began this blog. [...]