What She Gave

We are laying in bed and I am tearful. She asks about our "friend." We have learned about her by way of the internet. I have to tell Emma that our friend has gone to be with Jesus in heaven. Emma is awestruck. I tell her that earlier today, she looked like Jesus in her heart. Again, Emma is speechless- she thinks by my words mean that she has received her salvation. Now she is scared. Still too young, she thinks that as soon as she receives her Jesus' salvation, she will go to be with Him. I kiss her forehead and reassure her.

Early in the day, Emma is ready. She is anticipating what she has waited nearly a year for. She is eagerly waiting for her brothers to wake from their naps. She is ready to give her hair away. Almost a year ago, we sat together at the computer and researched. We looked at pictures of young girls without hair, we looked at young girls affected by this terrible cancer. And she wants to help.

On the way home, she is insistent to call one of her dear friends:

Sydney, I cut off my hair.
I cut my hair for a little girl who doesn't have any...
Yes, I did!
When you see me, you won't know me...
Want to tell your mom?

Emma is so proud. And rightly so, she has earned her joy. She has given up what many are hesitant too. And she didn't hesitate. She insists she will start the process again.