Thursday, March 11, 2010

Nothing Like a Good Haircut

As long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed a good haircut. For the past twenty years, about every two and a half weeks one lady has taken care of all my hair care needs. My friend Teresa Hughes has kept my hair clean, clipped, colored, and styled. Today she gave me my big haircut.

In anticipation of what the chemo treatments were going to do in the next few days, Teresa cut all my hair off today.

She took meticulous care even in this assignment. It might have been more of an emotional moment for both of us (as this is not the first time cancer has brought us together; I buried her husband, Gordon, twelve years ago), but this was not a private moment. In her salon, was Jamey Tucker from WKRN, Channel 2 News, set up with his camera recording the entire event. Off in the wings, were my kiddos Tori and Derek offering all the moral support a dad could want, and they were joined by my good friend Ken Marler, who has walked beside me in friendship since my early days in Franklin. The first couple of minutes were staged for camera purposes, but the remaining time was just Teresa doing what she has done for years, only a bit more off the top than usual.

Well, now that it is behind me, it wasn’t so bad after all.

Nothing has changed other than the blonde hair is gone for a season. I am told that when it comes back several months from now, it may be curly or a different color - more new adventures to anticipate!

The rest of my day was spent getting ready to teach from Acts 6, Lessons Learned in a Crisis, this coming Sunday. By the way, don’t forget it is time change and we need to spring forward one hour. Don’t stay out too late, and be ready for a great day of worship.

At the end of the day, Patti and I met with Dr. Patrick Murphy, my oncologist, for a progress report. He was pleased with how I had tolerated the first and longest treatment and said that my blood counts were really good. While we were in the waiting room, my friend Ken Davis called to check on me and assure me of his support. He did say, however, that as much as he loved me he would not be joining the “band of bald brothers” next Tuesday evening. Instead, he has decided to simply dye his pee pink on the days I have chemo; what a friend!

Well, that’s about it for Thursday, March 11, 2010 except to say “thank you” to everyone who has called, written, prayed, brought food, and expressed kindness in many different ways. And most of all thanks be unto God who has saved me, called me, sustained me, and heals me all because of His great mercy in Christ Jesus the Lord.

Blessings all,

Rick

7 comments:

  1. BALD IS BEAUTIFUL!!! Love you!

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  2. you look great with or without hair!! u have a good head ;)

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  3. Don't you wish your pastor was hot like ours...
    Love, R & L

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  4. See, you look great. Hot as ever. Now be sure to set everyone straight...rubbing the Pastor's head does not offer any special powers over winning the lottery or getting a new boyfriend.

    Still sending Hugs and Prayers...

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  5. I love some of these comments. TPC people are quite the witty bunch. :) By the way Rick, I am totally thinking Patrick Stewart from Star Trek and who doesn't love him???? Quite classy and dignified...

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  6. Rick ... just heard about this through Twitter and a couple of other links ... Count me on board praying for you and your family...

    You and I go back longer than most and I still appreciate the early years and those beyond. There is one thing for sure ... We White's are fighters and this should be no exception.

    If I can do anything for you or Patty - please let me know ... In the meantime, I'll pray for you all as you get through what I know you will treat as a bump on the glory road!

    Blessings sir!

    Benton White

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  7. We are been attending TPC since our move to Franklin in July 2009. We fell in love with you and your ministry at once. We are saddened to hear of your news yet are in awe of your personal outlook. It goes without saying that you are in our daily prayers.

    My father was "stricken" with the very same form of cancer that you are facing now. He was first diagnosed in 1999 and unfortunately battled multiple ailments during his fight. He was called to the Lord in August of 2003. He was a great man of faith and served his church with pride.

    After seeing your entrance this morning, I know that the Lord has special plans for you in serving TPC and it's followers. It would be stating the obvious for me to suggest to you to stay strong, keep the faith...because you are and will continue to do so.

    With all our love,
    The Nell Family
    Ryan, Julie, Jacob, Jon and Audrey.

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