Driving home tonight from work, something struck me. For the first time since I was first diagnosed with alopecia at the tender age of 8(28 years ago) I can actually feel the emotional scars fading. No longer do I feel restricted or ashamed of having alopecia. Yes the scars will always remain but fading they are. From all the years that I hid having alopecia, from the shame and embarrassment I felt, the lack of feeling "normal" or even "beautiful" and feeling totally alone. Of doing the rollar coaster ride of having hair to not to having yet again to little gone to alot gone. Im finally happy. I dont disillusion myself thinking bad days wont come, I recognize it and acknowledge it and know that it will pass.

If I can share one element truth with you all it would be that ....

YOU ARE OK. ITS OK.

Its ok to let your guard down and let people in, telling them that you have alopecia. Your true friends and family will stick by you no matter what. Yes you might get slapped back by an ignorant comment. But know this aswell, those that make those comments are insecure themselves and have nothing better to say, or they dont have the knowledge of alopecia. Because your friends and family will always be there, you can lean on them during these moments and give yourself strength to ignore the ignorant. Its ok. and you are ok for it.

I can say all the "cliches" like you are still beautiful, you are still fabulous, you are more than your hair. Which is all very much true. The real truth is that ITS OK. Its ok that you have alopecia, because you will be ok. It is true. No matter which path you choose to take on your journey thru this. Whether you go quietly along in life living with alopecia, or campaign for awareness and support or fight tooth and nail for a cure. You will still be OK.