1

Linda

Female

Harrisburg, PA

United States

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:: In a Relationship
About Me:: Hello...
I've had alopecia areata since I was about 9 years old. I have a great support system, a wonderful man, my Mom, 5 brothers and 6 sisters, 5 children, 3 grandchildren, 41 nieces and nephews and numberous great nieces and nephews. My life is great, I love it. More later...
Okay...it's later, here's a piece of my story...
After about two years of contemplation I decided to shave my head completely bald. Trying to cover the three spots I've had since the onset of my AA was beginning to challenge my otherwise healthy self-esteem. I've had my hair braided, worn hairpieces, glue-in weaves, sewn in weaves and wigs...in that order. Tired of running to find a headcover when someone other than family came to visit, tired of going to the hairdresser with clients who didn't understand AA, tired of trying to figure new ways to wear my hair, just plain tired...I knew it was time. I'm a free spirit of sorts, I've worn almost every hairstyle, with the latest being a curly afro, which oh by the way turned a lot more heads than my new bald look :-) I shaved my head on July 5, 2008 and after a week of only wearing it in the house and waiting until my man, all of my family members and close friends had seen it, I braved the Sun on Sunday, July 13, 2008...first stop, Wesley Union AME Zion Church. Most of the folks loved my new look, one lady passed me a note that said, "you look beautiful, go girl", I smiled and thanked her. After church, I went out to eat with my eldest daughter, LaTosha, she's always been one of my "Super Cheerleaders". I have seven others, my 3 other daughters, Naisha, KaLisha and Dara, my son Chet, and my grand daughters, Journey, SaMani and SaNai. As I strolled confidently into the restaurant, there were stares, a few whispers, but I exude confidence...soon the folks were smiling, some winked approval and some came up to me to say how beautiful I looked. I went shopping afterwards and two young girls about 9 or 10 came to me and said "hey miss, you look like a model". My confidence solidified, I was prepared to take on the world, the next day, Monday, July 14, I walked into work, my head held high and shining bald...I dusted it with a bronzer, I smiled at those who stared and strolled right past them into my office. It's been a week and four days since I shaved my head, I've only had three comments that I didn't care for, a man at work said "hey Linda, you don't look sick", a woman at work asked me if someone had dared me to shave my head and the little girl next door to me said, "I don't like bald heads". I look at it as being their hang up, I don't have one, I think "Bald is Bliss"!
Do you have alopecia?: Alopecia areata
Are you age 18 or older?: Yes

Comment Wall:

Load Previous Comments

Jessica

Hello,
So glad to meet you, I too shaved my head it was wonderful, did the wig thing for a few days then decided like my bald head better. Got a few strange looks from people like oh poor girl must be sick, but for the most part people really like it shaved.
It's since grown back for the most part have a few spots starting again body hair and an eyebrow falling out so not sure about continuing the shot anymore. So glad I found this site cause for the last year I felt so alone.

Jul 18, 2008
Roger

Hi from Sweden.

Roger.

Jul 19, 2008
Faheemah

I feel like I will experience an adventure like u described. Freedom is a wonderful thing and I remember when i was told dat one day i may have to shave my head or all my hair would completely fall out i used to cry. but i got used to da idea and when i 1st joined dis site i had neva saw any women who have shaved their heads and hearing your story and others and seeing you all have inspired me in some way. you are so beautiful and i hope dat when i shave my head i will look as beautiful as you do.

Jul 19, 2008
Elizabeth

Ah Yes...
After MANY years...I have come to the conclusion..
Bald is absolutley beautiful!

You are a beautiful woman. Thanks for sharing your story in such detail. I found so much of it familar to my own. And what a wonderful support system you have!
Good on YOU!

Elizabeth

Jul 20, 2008
Roger

Hi Linda.

Thanks. Stockholm is very nice! You have to go someday! Hope youre doing fine.

Roger.

Jul 21, 2008
Bob Hershberger

Well hello Linda..Its nice to have a new message pop in here..I hope you stay in touch..Im having a great time as my son is here from Texas for a few weeks,so Im having a blast..God Bless...Bob

Jul 22, 2008
Donna Evans

I love your little story about attitude. That made my day.

Jul 31, 2008
Jessica

Hi Linda,
Haven't chatted with you latley. How have you been busy with your classes I'm sure.
well hopw all is well talk to you soon.
jessica

Jul 31, 2008
CSue

Linda, you can get the hat you saw on my page at Hatagories.com. The crown of the hat runs a little large in my opinion, but since the fabric is sheer and light you can just push it down toward the back. I think you would look fabulous in this hat! Congratulations on shaving your head - you look great! I would wear some sunscreen or a hat outside though. Thanks for visiting my page. I enjoyed your blog about shaving your head and I'm glad you received such warm support from the people in your church.

Aug 2, 2008
Geri

Thanks for the warm welcome. It is so nice to find a place where people could totally understand and it is even nicer yet knowing I have someone so nearby to chat with and get to know better. Thanks again! Hopefully we could talk soon!

Aug 3, 2008
NoHair

Hallo!
Thank you for your nice words!!
I´m very happy that I found this page! It´s so many kind and friendly people here!
My biggest problem now is to remember the english language/grammar so I can write what I want to say... I hope you can understand me :)

Thank you for your story! I recognize much!!! I have just beeing "public" bold for 5 days. My first walk through my town was a little unpleasant. I felt naked and feel deserted. But I don´t regret my decision!!! I feel that bald is the right thing for me! Have a nice day!
//Marica

Aug 4, 2008
The Be Bold Team

Hiya

Wow we love your page, so inspiring, would you mind if we used some of your content on the Be Bold site, we will of course credit you.

Regards

The Be Bold Team

Aug 7, 2008
Michael

thank you I am proud to represent my cousin marina. i am so glad that this site was made. i just know she is thrilled as i am

Aug 11, 2008
Jessica

Hi Linda,

Great to see all is well. I too have been so busy we had family in the last 2 week s. Ava's third birthday was yesterday we had a little party then went down town to see the fire works was so much fun.
Hey if your lookin for a great head cover for the winter check out the site Team Alopecia there are great links for wigs and head cover of all kinds very cool info too.

well take care
jessica

Aug 12, 2008
CSue

I had to stop in & see if that was really you (I noticed you changed your profile pic). You look great both with and without hair! Have a great week.

Aug 14, 2008
Dotty

Hello Linda,
Thank you for the nice comment about my inspirations. I believe that it's really important to be reminded of life's little messages. I do this on another online Alopecia support group in which I am a manager. I am going on my fourth year of a daily inspiration there. I love posting them, so I promise they will continue!! Thanx again and btw, I love your attitude and I've followed your progress with "coming out" and I think it's fantastic. Keep up the good work.
Love and Hugs,
Dotty

Aug 17, 2008
Melissa Harris

Hi Linda! Thank you for the kind words, I know that it's hard to know what to say to someone when there is nothing you can do about the situation. I have a question for you, I see on your picture that you have a wig? If so, where did you get yours and do you have any tips for finding one. There are so many places, I don't know where to start. I had someone tell me that they are really hot and itchy. Is that true?? Is that what I have to look forward too?? Any feedback would be appreciated!!
Melissa

Aug 17, 2008
Georgie

Nope, I don't live on a farm. I just liked the picture of an Oregon winery I found. (I could use some glasses of wine....) Sometimes I wish I lived on a farm. Further away from stuff....I think I might be a hermit at heart....all I need is nature, really. But, then again, poor Dh's parents would never be able to drive all the way out to a farm if we lived on one! *sigh* I'm surrounded by farms though, which is nice.

Aug 19, 2008
Tricia

Hello Linda,

Thank you for your comment on my page. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but I have a habit of hiding out. You are very brave to have not only shaved your head, but to go out in public. I hope someday I'll have the confidence to do the same. Blessings to you.

Aug 20, 2008
kastababy

Hey Linda,

If you think my playlist on my page is hot, I wish you could check out what's on my iPod!!! LOL

I'll come to the family reunion (caveat: I can't dance), and I'll even get a good spades or bid whist game going too!!!

Have a great weekend!

Aug 21, 2008
JeffreySF

Hi Linda,

I just came across your page and enjoy reading your posts.
I love your attitude.

Jeff

Aug 22, 2008
JeffreySF

No messy footprints ever lol

Aug 22, 2008
carly

lol, i start school on tuesday, im excited too, but im sure that will wear off- lol

Aug 28, 2008
Rozalin

Hi Linda thanks for the warm welcome..It feel great to be here already. I am in north MS a small rual town called coffeeville.where is bay springs....Linda I just love your blog it very inspirational to me.I have been wearing wigs and scarves for a long time.. here in this part of the state it is so hott..at my wits end ..lol said to hek with it I am not my hair..and if you dont want to see my baldness just dont look..

Aug 28, 2008
Rachel

Thank you so much for the encouragement about my first wig. You're words were really helpful in getting me to leave the house. Thank you!

Aug 30, 2008
Heather Lorelle Mattisson

Hi Linda! Thanks for the welcome - your little girls are BEAUTIFUL and your courage is inspiring (just read your profile.) Have a great day :)

Aug 31, 2008
Helga tavares

Hello!! Thanks for welcome!!!

Aug 31, 2008
manu

Thanks Linda for your words, I am sure I will find some friends here...

Sep 1, 2008
Lori Powers

Linda - Beautiful! absolutely beautiful pictures.

Sep 2, 2008
Amy Bard

Linda...thanks for the comment. I am very proud of my family. Everyone says the kids look like my husband so quess they got lucky in the looks dept. Hope things are well for you. Your pics look great. I don't really like having pics made without my wig...and I don't have them made without my scarf. Wish my head looked good enough to go w/out the scarf but it is so bright white it would blind everyone. LOL. Well take care and have a great week.

Sep 2, 2008
LeslieAnn Butler

Thank you, girlfriend!
I know, isn't it great to have a bald head instead of those icky patches. Good for you!
Hugs!

Sep 2, 2008
TC

my daughter is 16yrs...she is startin college this week its such a big change 4 her frm skool.
im so touch on this site so many members have lost their hair @ a very early age & u all manage 2 get though it...losin hair when ur young must of been extremely hard bein that kids can be so cruel...but i gues it just makes u stronger & more determined 2 succeed in life! x

Sep 3, 2008
Renee

Hi Linda, thank you and thank you. No I am in NEPA Scranton area. Yeah, I am so proud to have a little girl like her. She is so strong and brave and now thankfully her hair is coming back but our whole family knows bald is beautiful!

Sep 3, 2008
Courtney

thx. its nice to have ppl to talk to. that can relate.

Sep 3, 2008
beauty

Hi ms linda! thank u so much for you encouraging words! your pictures are beautiful!I think thats great how u decided to shave your hair and wear it! you look lovely!

Sep 4, 2008
☆Joseph Giallombardo☆

Thank You (>.<)

Sep 4, 2008
LeslieAnn Butler

Thanks, Linda! I'm glad you love my art!
Hugs!

Sep 4, 2008
Paranoid Priscilla

Thank you, Linda!

I feel so grateful!

Sep 5, 2008
Vicsta

Hello Linda

Thanks for welcoming me! I have just been reading your story and your blogs - how wonderful. I found shaving my head to be very liberating too especially after the feelings of secrecy I experienced trying to conceal my balding and feeling this necessity to cover up. Unfortunately, in the UK it is often so cold I need my scarves! I do like the feeling of warm sun on my head... I shall have to move.

Vicky

Sep 5, 2008
rj, Co-founder

Nice page design, Linda. :-)

Sep 5, 2008
dollydreadful

thank you for the welcome Linda also your daughters are adorable love the hot pink coats :)

Sep 6, 2008
Tricia

Thank you again Linda!

Sep 6, 2008
JeffreySF

Hi Linda,

Just stopping in to say hello.
Dont hate me but I am having a glass of champaign and off to bed....Work early in the morning.

Hope you are doing well

Jeff

Sep 6, 2008
uncomfortably numb

Thanks Linda !

a nice writeup, you inspire !

Sep 7, 2008
linann

Thanks Linda!

Sep 7, 2008
Sandra Dubose-Gibson

Hey Linda, that's my sisters name. I feel like I know you already. Dinner sounds great, I would love to meet you. Let's make it happen.

Sep 7, 2008
Dame

Thank you for a nice welcome! Looking forward to meeting people here!

Sep 8, 2008
Sandra Dubose-Gibson

That's womderful. Im glad I gave them a reason to get their jam on. Tell them one day we can meet and we will all sing it together. We are beautiful inside and out!

Sep 8, 2008
Sam

Hey, good guess. I actually have mercury and venus in Cancer so it really shines through, but I'm a Gemini Sun and Moon. I'd say you were right, so, congrats. Thanks for the welcome!

Sep 9, 2008
Anna

Hello and thanks for the welcome! :-)
It's great to see that there is a place for us baldies as well as others. When I was first diagnosed I thought I was completely alone.
Looking forward to get to know this place better! Sorry my english by the way, I tend to get a bit "swenglish" at times... :-)

Sep 10, 2008

1 member likes this