A Strand of Her Hair

Last night I retrieved a tank top from my drawer. I haven't worn it since last summer. As soon as I put it on, I found a strand of hair embedded in the fabric. I pulled it free and instantly realized it was one of Waverly's as it dropped from my fingers. I panicked and instantly turned on the flashlight feature on my phone to try to find it. I was on a mission. The entire time I knew this was insane behavior, but I simply couldn't discard this precious strand of hair. After a few minutes of searching, I found it on our duvet cover. And then the tears poured forth.

Wavey's hair was one of her distinguishing features. It was thick and course, textured and a kaleidoscope of colors on a single strand. I have some of her saved in little bundles tied with ribbon. But this one was different. She was alive when it fell out.

As I twisted it around my fingers with tears falling, Matt thought we should save it. He grabbed our copy of "Anne of Green Gables" - a family favorite. I tucked the hair on a random page only to be rediscovered on another day.

Comments

Anonymous said…
❤️
lesley said…
Awww mama, so hard
Josie said…
Hi Shannon, glad we are FB friends now. I didn't know who Waverly was when we chatted this weekend and discovered she shares a birthday with Mary Tobin. (and an anniversary with me and Izzy, but who cares about that!) Anne of Green Gables is so special to me too. And November 15 is now more special for me. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
KW said…
Just thinking and praying for your family. I'm not a blog reader and only heard of you from Jawn Merrilat as we were going through neurological and genetic testing for my daughter with a channelopathy (very mild now at 6 and managed with meds, unknown future). So for the last however many years I have prayed for your family. I'm sure there are many of us, more than you know. I believe it will be an honor to meet your whole family in heaven some day. Thank you for having the courage to open up to the world.

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