Sarah's Dad.......

Kisses for Sarah

This last year has been one of Sarah’s most challenging years in regards to her Trich, however, it has also been one of her best.  Our entire family has learned so much about it and has grown through honesty, knowledge and consideration.  Acceptance has been difficult for Sarah’s Dad.  Sarah and I have tried to discuss it’s side affects and treatment and even videos of others with Trich with him.  Sarah’s Dad has simply chosen to believe that Sarah is not affected by it the way that all other “pullers” are.  On several occasions, we have chosen to stop talking about it until one day when we can agree that Sarah has Trichotillomania.

Something interesting happened to Sarah’s Dad recently.  He saw a woman who had bald patches throughout her hair.  He had seen this woman more than once in the past and never really paid attention to her this much.  When she walked away, he asked her co-worker if she had Trichotillomania.  He was rather shocked that he knew someone with Trich, someone that he sees on a weekly basis during work and even more shocked at her co-workers response.  She said “Yes, she does.  You should talk to her about it.  It’s not a scary thing and she does not mind discussing it.”  She proceeded to page the woman over the loud speaker for Sarah’s Dad to chat with.  [Does he really want to talk about it?  DO people talk about it?]  Sarah’s Dad does not really like to discuss it, at all.  He now had to accept that this Trichotillomania that he’s been trying not think about or discuss was staring him right in the face.

The woman came out and openly discussed it with Sarah’s Dad.   She was an attractive woman.  She appeared.......normal.  She was extremely nice and most importantly, BRAVE.  Through this conversation, Sarah’s Dad saw the real person inside.  She shared how much it shamed her for so many years choosing to wear hats for most of them, to try and hide it.  She admitted that it wasn’t until recently that she decided to accept that she has Trich and embrace it.  In doing so, she is no longer ashamed and has found freedom through acceptance.  Mostly, her own acceptance.

Sarah’s Dad spent the rest of the day in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.  Sarah’s Dad is no longer afraid of Trich.  Sarah’s Dad has accepted that Sarah has Trich.  He is very proud of his little girl.  He was impressed that Sarah’s acceptance level is the same as that of a 30(ish) year old's.  He is now very confident and hopeful of the happy life Sarah will live with Trich.  He has also made himself available emotionally to support her however she needs it.

Sarah has Trichotillomania.  Trichotillomania does not have Sarah.