This post is dedicated to my beautiful sister, Brenda.

I lost all of my hair. It took about 3 years, but the end came quickly. I don't know if it's universalis or totalis or whatever, I don't really care. It's all gone. But that's fine now.

It was when my sister started losing her hair that I felt sick inside all over again. My sister had THE hair. Beautiful, naturally curly, she is talented at creating styles and being complimented all the time on how awesome her hair was. So when hers started to go, I was worried. She had seen me go through the stages. She knew what could be coming. And of course, it did. She has alopecia areata, but there was no hope of saving her hair. How would she handle it? I would make claims that you are not defined by your hair, but with her, it was kind of her "signature", if you will. Not in a vain way, it's just how it was.

She shaved her head probably a month ago. The first time I saw her without hair I was struck by how beautiful she was. She might have thought I was lying, but it's the truth. I see an awesome woman who has embraced this unavoidable change with grace and acceptance. Instead of letting herself become depressed (while I'm sure there are times of some sadness, don't we all have them?) she has embraced her creative nature and is using this as a way to "stylize" herself. You know, different hair every day, or a scarf and hat, whatever the flavor of the day is. She's good at that. Hair is an accessory now and she's having a ball collecting accessories!

We go wig shopping. We talk. We share ideas. We support each other. She is looking at ways to help others and bringing me along for the ride (which I am a willing participant!). I am still a little angry, I will admit, that this would happen to my sister. I am angry that someone I love had to experience the loss and emotional roller coaster that this journey brings. But because of her strength in dealing with alopecia, that has lessened.

I love you, my sister. You are brave and strong and beautiful.