I questioned him...do you really want this? Do you know it means you won't have your long hair anymore? Are you certain? Yes, to it all - he was ready and cried at the notion of waiting...SO...
I cried for three days over this. Not in front of him (other than the initial crying) :) But when I was alone, I cried for the loss of his baby curls, for his budding independence, for his strength and stamina to insist that he knew what was best for him, and for my own feelings on the sacredness of hair. There is something to it: his namesake, his Native American blood flows in his veins and there is the notion that a person will grow his hair until it is time to cut it to symbolize something important.
Who knows what that was for Coyote. It wasn't for me to decide. I am sure this is one of many things he will require of me, his abassador to the world.
12 comments:
It is difficult when headstrong independence comes along. We cry over it, but really, it's what we want in our children: the strength to know their own minds and act on that. When my daughter was his age, she also knew what she wanted, but didn't wait to tell me...and took the pinking shears to her own locks...but just one side!
you write so well, the emotions are so real and present. letting your son follow what was right for him was just so beautiful. in a time and society that wants children to be seen (but not really) and not be heard, when children are not honored for being themselves... you gave your son an amazing gift, the gift of himself.
Heather
HIS CURLS!!!!!!! :( Maybe he'll decide to grow them back, they were so pretty!!! But, on the other hand, he does look cute with it short, too :)
You are right, though, he should be able to make some decisions on his own, it's good that you let him do that. I think that's definitely the mark of a good parent, instead of being too controlling--but, at the same time, it's a decision that wouldn't hurt him if he picked wrong.
Just remember--it's hair, it grows back :)
Awww, thanks so much!!! :) Everyone's comments mean so much to me!
It's a funny thing...the meanings I held for his hair. Every day I saw those golden locks framing his sweet face, and they held meanings for me beyond what I realized.
They were about his babyhood...the hair that first sprouted while he was still inside me..still one with me but not truly. Everyt time I looked at the curls I saw him as I always had.
He looks so different now...like a different person. Yet, he is not. It has revealed to me what was underneath. That soft underbelly revealed is even more delicious.
I cried too when my eldest son cut his hair. Actually I cut it at his insistance. Be proud that you let your children act from their own hearts.
He looks very proud of his new do.
thank you, Adriad & Danielle! I appreciate the support so much! :)
How sweet- it is a very important event. I was looking about and thought this was interesting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_haircut
I cried for a couple days after I cut N's hair the first time. There is no stopping time. The taste of the melancholia is like bitter, yummy coffee on my tongue.
Greenlee-
I gave you an I Love Your Blog award.
Great job!
Danielle
Wow--he looks so grown up! The one benefit to less hair (and I do love long hair on boys) is that you can see his handsome face better. He is one good looking young man!
Jen in TX
That strength in him, it is your strength. You are so strong and he will benefit from that all of his life.
OK, these comments are making me cry!!! :) I am one lucky woman. Thank you friends.
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