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