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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:

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Leon Johnson

Thanks Linda for the welcome.

Sep 12, 2008
Jess (Jordyn's Mom)

Hi Linda,
Welp I live right outside of gettysburg.. I work at the hospital there. Its nice to meet new ppl that can relate to Jordyn's alopecia..I didn't realize there were so many ppl with it...Jordyn is bald and beautiful and she knows it..lol

Sep 12, 2008
Jessica

Hi Linda,

Thanks for all the support, I hope all is well. It's been crazy here getting the girls back into the school rutine. Your grandbabies are beautiful and it sounds like you had a great shopping trip. I sure wish I could have all my new friends from Alopecia World close so we could hang out and talk in person. Maybe one day we will be able to meet.

Have a Great weekend
Jessica

Sep 13, 2008
Diane

Hi Linda,
I just read your comment on Leon Johnson's blog and the clerk... I wonder if she's afraid of lice when people with hair are trying hat...
Diane

Sep 14, 2008
rj, Co-founder

Hi, Linda. Thanks for reading and complimenting "The Breath of Kindness." Genuinely kind words are always encouraging to me. :-)

Sep 15, 2008
Deyanira Lozano

hi Linda!! Thank you for your comment.

Sep 15, 2008
aileen arlantico

hi linda, thank you.

Sep 15, 2008
Leon Johnson

You go Linda!

Sep 16, 2008
JayB

It's always a pleasure to make a Goddesses acquaintance. I'm very well too.

Sep 16, 2008
Rebecca Anne Richardson

thank you Linda!

Sep 19, 2008
Lucy

hey linda thanks..

Sep 19, 2008
DesertAngel

I think I'm going to like it here.

Sep 19, 2008
Linda

Hi hun thanks for saying hi

Sep 22, 2008
Dee

Hello Linda and thanx so much for your welcome. By the way, I love your spirit and your page!!

Sep 22, 2008
Dee

It would be my pleasure to join you and Crowned Regal in any kind of arena! Just tell when and I'm in!

Sep 24, 2008
Kathy

Hi Linda, and thanks for your kind welcome! After 35 years I really have people to connect with, and I am ecstatic. I, too, have the most wonderful support system with a fabulous husband of 25 years and 2 amazing kids who are following their dreams and talents through college. I'm excited although nervous about my big decision to shave it all off. I'm ready and I'll keep you posted about my experience. I'm impressed and honored by your story, and I'm grateful for your friendship! Regards, Kathy

Sep 27, 2008
Mattye the Diva

thanks for the love

Sep 28, 2008
Stephanie

Thank you!

Sep 28, 2008
John Paul

Appreciate the welcome, Linda, and love your story.

Sep 29, 2008
Jude

Thanks for the welcome. Your story is very inspiring.

Sep 30, 2008
Jbkny

thanks lin...thanks for welcoming me.Have a blessed week

Sep 30, 2008
meaghan evelyn smith earle

Hey ! . thanks for the message , hope we can be friends

Sep 30, 2008
Esther

Thanks for the welcome Linda. I admire your courage!

Oct 1, 2008
Kathy

Thanks for your kind welcome, Linda! I shaved my head today, and I'm feeling quite liberated. My husband has been incredibly supportive --- the big test will be when I go to work tomorrow with my new wig!!! Be happy, Kathy

Oct 1, 2008
Jenn

thank you linda, i read your page and i hope that one day i will have the self esteem that you have. it has only been a month and i feel like it has been forever. i have always considered myself a really strong person and i am trying to hold on to that but it is not working. is this just a part of it that i will have to deal with?

Oct 2, 2008
Kathy

Thanks so much for asking!! Everyone was excited and happy and supportive. Truthfully, though, the "story" behind my shaved head is still an unknown to most. I've realized that I can choose to share my story with those I want, and when I want. It's not that I'm trying to hide the truth, but more that I am dealing with a little known "condition" (trichotillomania) that people simply don't understand. Having said that, I am thrilled with my decision to go bald, and in time I'm sure I'll be forthcoming as it feels right. And, my man, too, will help me keep my head beautifully manicured, too!! = }

Oct 3, 2008
Grace

Hello Linda thanks!!

Oct 3, 2008
BTB (John)

Thanks for the warm welcome I look forward to being part of the group. John

Oct 3, 2008
maryc

Thanks for the welcome

Oct 5, 2008
Ellen Harte

Hello Linda

I am overwhelmed with the kindness of all you wonderful people! Wow I really am excited about being a part of this group. Thank you for your warm welcome!

Oct 5, 2008
Kayreyn

Thank you for the welcome! You are a beautiful brave woman, and I know that I can learn a lot from you!

Oct 5, 2008
Nancy Schmelzer

Hi Linda,
Thank you for the welcome. I read your posts and I have to say they are positive and upbeat. Thanks for that. I have been feeling sad the last few days because my little girl(8) is the one who has Alopecia totalis and I just feel for her- and selfishly me. But then I read something today and it was really cool. It said that as parents we raise our children to be better persons than we are but every once and awhile we have an angel who teaches us to be a better person. I think that is my Lauren. She is such a brave girl who wears her baldness in a strong unapologetic way. When I see her, I want to be like her- proud and strong. By the way your photos are beautiful. -Nancy

Oct 7, 2008
Nancy Schmelzer

Thanks Linda for the support. I will look for the little girl and relay comments to Lauren. She would love to have a "pen-pal"-nancy

Oct 7, 2008
Jan M.

Great profile, thank you for saying hello, i am glad to be apart of this real world.

Oct 8, 2008
grizmom

Thanks for the welcome! I am really enjoying being a part of this site.

Oct 9, 2008
Lauren

Yeah, actually we used to live in Phoenix, just moved out to Gilbert a year ago when we out grew our house. Now we are about 30-45 minutes away depending on traffic

Oct 10, 2008
Mister Anderson

Thanks for saying hello! Everything I've read from you, and everyone else here, makes me feel so much better about myself. This really seems to be a great little community!

Oct 12, 2008
cheree

hi, how are you.

Oct 13, 2008
nikki

hi thanks for comment hi to u

Oct 13, 2008
Jo Glenn

Linda I am about to shave my head for the first time and I really appreciate your story. I am as you say a free spirit and I am tired of trying to compensate my hairstyle to cover up something that I really just need to be free from. Thanks- Jo

Oct 13, 2008
kelley

Thanks Linda...this is a great site where I know I'm able to vent to people who are going through this! It's so scary!

Oct 14, 2008
Jo Glenn

Linda- I shaved my head last night and I guess I'm okay with it...
I have dark patches though in areas where my hair was still growing....err it doesn't look so good. I guess it looks as if something is wrong with me instead of me just being a beautiful bald woman. I am going to try to post my pictures on my page later today....I've just been so busy. How do we email, haven't totally figured this whole site out yet. Thanks Jo

Oct 14, 2008
Celeste Edwards

BALD IS BEAUTIFUL Sista!! I am right there!!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Oct 14, 2008
Lori M

Ha-ha! I thought so because it looked rarrrrrrrrr......sexy! :+)

Oct 15, 2008
Lori M

I have a peanut head too which is so difficult.... I look stupid in hats because of my pinhead.

I don't how people shop for wigs online. I even find it hard going into a wig shop and looking at the tiny hair swatches and trying to pick a color. I have seen where it looks good in the swatch especially when you look at ones that are supposed to be highlights. You get the wig and it looks horrid......I am so terrified of ordering a wig online and then being stuck with it and hating it again. This really sucks because it means you are now going to a wig shop and pay $500 + ...for a wig that you could have gotten for a fraction of the price.....I don't really have a decent stylist where I live for wigs. The shop I went to and bought two wigs I absolutely hate. They are in it for the money. They offer no advice to you as far as what style would look nice on you and what colors. She would have let me leave with a black wig and I don't look good in real dark colors. I have freckles and am very fair. I am having a super hard time with finding people I trust here in Ottawa.....

Oct 15, 2008
rj, Co-founder

Linda, after hearing the following poem on YouTube yesterday, I thought about quite a few women who might thoroughly enjoy it. You were one, so I hope I'm right. ;-)

Oct 15, 2008
Lori M

Hey Linda! First of all thanx for all your help. What is a half wig? I am losing hair at the back of my head at the base almost like a turband effect so would a halfwig work for me? I will go check that website out too! Oh you are keeping me busy while the baby is napping (please god) for hopefully two hours......Hey it beats cleaning up all the toys all over the place! By the way is that a picture of your kids? They are beautiful!

Oct 15, 2008
Lori M

I have been checking out that site! Wow!!!! Those wigs are awesome!!!! Really for $20 you can't go wrong.... I swear I spend more money on toilet paper and we all know what we do with that! LOL

Oct 15, 2008
Lori M

The little one is still sleeping YESSSSSSS!!!! Soooo when you had that acid put on your head did it hurt? Did it actually do anything? When you say burned do you mean damaged your scalp permanently?

I tend to get to be the one to listen to people's life stories too...LOL

Oct 15, 2008
Lori M

I am supposed to see my derm for the first time in Dec. I am soooooo sensitive to Steroids since I have been on them before for Chron's disease. I realize these are shots and not the dread Prednisone but I seriously don't trust the side effects. I just hate those types of drugs. I had thought my other alternative was the acid irritant but now I am thinking I am not going to let them do anything to me because really what is the point. I wouldn't be able to wear a wig then at all if they messed my head up with sores like that.....You know it is what it is.

Geee I just noticed up above you have grand children? You don't look old enough to have kids who are old enough to have kids! Wow what is your secret?

Oct 15, 2008

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