I have a challenge for any one who feels up to it. A few years ago, I lost my mom to cancer. It was stunning to me to see the way she wilted away. It hurt more then words can say. Here was a beautiful woman that so many people in my hometown loved and adored. Not to sound morbid, or boastful in any way here- but at her funeral, it was 1 of the LARGEST turnouts I have ever known of for a wake. It brought so many things to my mind. Mainly, how I wish I had been even closer to my mother then I was. Before her death, she and I were in the process of patching up a mother son relationship.  In fact, I still believe in my heart that she stayed alive long enough for me to return home and go to her bedside and tell her 1 last time that I love her.

She went from a highly motivated and loving woman with a lot of knowledge about a great many things, to basically a helpless individual  who depended on others to do the simplest of tasks, practically over night. She believed in many good things in her life, and supported many good causes. So with that in mind, I decided a few months ago to cut my hair off, in honor of her, and donate it to "Locks of Love". 

So, my challenge is this: I challenge anyone and everyone to do something in honor of someone they love and either have lost, are in the process of losing, or even those who havent lost anyone,  with an open heart and clear conscience. For me, I loved my long hair even though it was something I never had before, but so many people said it looked good and seemed to fit my personality. Well, most of them were shocked when I told them I cut my hair, but those same people were proud of me when they found out just why I did cut it off.  It may seem like a menial task to some people, but if you love someone with all that you are, you will do anything to honor them, especially if in fact you lose them in 1 way or another.

So, in closing I just want to say this...Mom, it has been a few years since you passed away, and I miss you greatly. I find myself loving you more and more even though you are gone. This, I do for you, but I also do it for me. I know that you are looking down at me from above and saying "That's my boy!"