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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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LadyBee

Thank you Linda for the kind welcome!

Oct 16, 2008
Lori M

Ahhh God's second chance at being a mom....what a nice way to put grandmother..... I get a kick out of my parents. They say being a grandparent is great because you can enjoy the kid when she is happy and hand her back to the parent when she acts up! LOL. The three little angels are beautiful.....

Yes my cakes do cause weight gain at least on me! I end up eating half the icing as I am icing the darn things....LOL

Oct 18, 2008
3mee

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my blog. I really appreciate it. After receiving all the encouragements, I feel much, much better. Thank you again!

Oct 19, 2008
Jbkny

Oct 19, 2008
Amber

thanks for the welcome!

Oct 22, 2008
Royalty

Hi Linda, thanks for your warm welcome sweetie!

Oct 23, 2008
Ms. Yvette

Thanks so much ur story imspired me and I will pass this along to my daughter that suffers from AA

Oct 30, 2008
carly

hi linda
how are you today?

Oct 30, 2008
meaghan evelyn smith earle

Hello Linda
Hope Your Doing Great ! :3

Oct 30, 2008
Royalty

have a great weekend!

Oct 31, 2008
Royalty

have a great weekend!

Oct 31, 2008
Royalty

Your children are beautiful!

Nov 3, 2008
Ella

Thank you so much for the welcome! I am really happy to have found this wonderful new home, where everyone understands. I look forward to getting to know everyone and hope with time that I will become strong. All my best, Ella

Nov 3, 2008
carly

thanks :))

Nov 3, 2008
Skye

Thanks,I will be back soon..a busy night .

Nov 5, 2008
meaghan evelyn smith earle

Im great . but me & my best friend just had a big fight and she wont talk to me...anyways chat laterr

Nov 5, 2008
lisa

Hi Linda!
Thank-You for your welcome and your story. Your strength is inspiring. Great way to start the weekend!

Nov 8, 2008
Andrea

yes. I do teach at Penn State. Pleased to meet you.

Nov 8, 2008
Andrea

wonderful! Congrats to you and your children!

Nov 8, 2008
kay kay

thank you

Nov 9, 2008
Nicole Richardson

Thank you so much for the warm welcome!!!

Nov 21, 2008
CSue

Hope your Thanksgiving is great!

MyHotComments

Nov 27, 2008
Jbkny

Nov 28, 2008
VTW

Hey,

Thanks for the information. I love this site so far. Everyone is so friendly!
You have really inspired me.

May God Bless you!

Love ya!

Dec 10, 2008
Alexis

Thank you sooo much for welcoming me to AW. I hope to gain lots of knowledge !

Dec 10, 2008
Diahna Lynn Studio

Thank you Linda

Dec 12, 2008
Pat

AWWW, THANKS!

Dec 16, 2008
Sol

Thanks Linda. Honestly I applaud you and the other ladies who dare to bare, even if it's only in photographs. I don't know if I'll ever have the confidence to do that! You do make shaving your head sound like so much fun though lol, I just need to pluck up the courage to do it!

Dec 17, 2008
Nicole

Your profile is awesome. I pray that one day I will have to courage and strength to go bald & beautiful like you & otehr ladies on this website. I agree with Linda on how you make it sound so easy. After reading your profile, I actually feel like snatching the wig off my head & proclaim the real me.

Dec 19, 2008
JadeKiss

Thank you! I am preparing myself for a future filled with colorful wigs and supportive, positive, and loving people :)

Dec 23, 2008
Lastgoodguy

Thank you Linda

Dec 24, 2008
Nants the Rebellion Dog

I live in California. Today it was warmer in Pittsburgh than the central coast of California! Thanks for the great welcome. I may join you soon in the head-shaving...I just hope I look a fraction as fabulous as you do!

Dec 27, 2008
Rose

Hi Linda,
Thanks for the welcome and let me say that your profile is great and I loved the text about "Attitude". But unfortunately I have not this attitude yet! You must have the support of your big family like no other! I am happy for you! My AA was very fast but I can imagine that is better to be bald!
kisses

Dec 28, 2008
Avis

Hi Linda! I wish we had been able to get together when you were in Skegee. Is that your home or do you have relatives there or what? Your pics are beautiful. I know this sounds selfish, but sometimes I wish I had no hair growth on my head. I shaved my head about 2 months ago but didn't have the guts to go out without a headcovering. I'm thinking about a full lace wig. It's too hard dealing with the regrowth and wearing wigs and all that mess. Anyway, Happy New Year to you!

Dec 28, 2008
Linda D. Lewis

Hi Linda....I just love your attitude. That's what I'm talking about. Thank you for welcoming me to Alopecia World. You have a woonder family. Like so many here, I don't have any support from family as I live in California and my family is in N.J. I don't have a man either but someday I know I will. Thanks again for your welcome and hope to continue to communicate some more. You and your family have a great holiday and Happy New Year. Thanks again.

Dec 31, 2008
Di

Hello Linda and thanks for the welcome. I'm in the Fayetteville area and will soon make my presence known on this site...just need a minute to get my bearing together.

Dec 31, 2008
Sabrina

Hi Linda...thanks for the wonderful welcome. I am happy that you have the courage and strength to go out bald. Hopefully one day I can do the same!

Jan 3, 2009
Stephanie

Hi Linda... Thank you for the welcome!!! Your story is an inspiration to me. I hope to have the courage and self esteem that you have!!

Jan 3, 2009
Penny++Amy's Mom

Hi Linda, thank you for your welcome. I am so glad to be a part of alopecia world.

Jan 4, 2009
NannC

I LUUUUUUUVED your comment! Thanks Girl! Yes,.....yes we are!!! haha!!!

Jan 5, 2009
Brittany Bullard

Thank you Thank you. I hope you have a fabulous day. Britt

Jan 5, 2009
Tracey L.

Thank you Linda...It feels good to be welcomed. You are beautiful btw!

Jan 5, 2009
carol solis

new to this,,, hello to all,

Jan 7, 2009
Chaeri

Hi Linda...Nice to meet you~! Your name is just as pretty~!! :)

Jan 7, 2009
Shelley

Thanks Linda! Very kind!

Jan 7, 2009
SoulJourneys<aka>Metamorphis:The Transformer

Hey Momma.....I had a dream about you and that picture chet was talking about.....it is deep!

Jan 8, 2009
Cathy Nedd

Hello Linda - Thank you so much. I'm glad to be here. You are so beautiful, but I'm sure your man tells you that all the time. Happy New Year!

Jan 11, 2009
Cathy Nedd

Hello Linda -- Thank you so much. You are so beautiful, but I'm sure your man tells you that all that time.

Jan 11, 2009
Dara L.Strickland

Thank you Linda! Dara Lynn is such an uncommon name that I'm amazed when I find someone else with it. Your story is an inspiration. I have a doctor's appointment this Thursday and depending on what happens I will be making a decision on shaving my head completely. Your prayers would be appreciated. God bless.
dara
maranatha

Jan 13, 2009
Bob Hershberger

Hi Linda..Bob here..You look absolutely extremely pretty...Good for you,and thanks for not only setting a great example,but accepting yourself as is!!..Its actually a very hard thing to do,and takes time,as you have mentioned,but I found that when I finally accepted myself as is,so did everyone else..Like you,I to also had a few cracks,and disis's,but thats ok..When I realized that having AA wasn't my fault,and I had no reason to be ashamed,life just got better..Thanks again for your excellent example of courage..Bob

Jan 16, 2009

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