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ALEXANDRA'S LOCKS? OF LOVE
By: Kathy Whirity
I have known Alexandra almost her whole
life.? She came to my daycare at the delicate age of three
months and stayed until she went off to kindergarten, which
was this past year.
Binnie, as her mom so affectionately
nicknamed her, was like the Energizer Bunny. She never
stopped moving, never sat still or slowed? down. No matter
what was going on, at any given time, she was always a step
or two ahead of the other children.
She has the? sweet, outgoing personality
of her mom and a heart of gold, giving attitude like her
dad. I know that her? character is partly the result of her
parent's wholesome, faith based qualities but there is also
a genuine sense of perception that is all Binnie.
In all of her five years she has shown
a unique sense of caring for others that truly surpasses her
age.? She has brought much joy to my days.
Knowing my absolute love for Coke
Slurpees, this tiny tot would sometimes insist that her mom
stop to get me one before work. Many a morning Heather would
find herself in the middle of the breakfast rush at Burger
King? to get? a frozen coke me.
Binnie's sole goal was to surprise me -
and surprise me she did? with her thoughtfulness.
For whatever reason Binnie hated when
I'd refer to myself as an old lady. Usually I'd save this
remark and dramatize the effect as I'd try to cajole the
kids into helping to pick up the toys.? ? Whether Binnie saw
right through the charade or saw me as just a big kid, I'll
never know.? I'd like to treasure the memory as a compliment
that she she saw past the gray hairs to really appreciate
the 'kid' in me.
As a toddler in my care Binnie was
always slightly hyper, regularly rambunctious and always did
everything with lots of love. Her antics awarded her the
moniker, Binnie the bull. At five years old she still lives
life large - with lots of love and plenty of pizazz.
But we no longer think of her as a bull
in a China shop.? She has grown into a little lady with a
big heart. I see her only once in awhile now.? She sometimes
comes with her mom to pick up her little brother, David,? who
spends his toddler days with me.
The other day I commented on how long
her hair has gotten.? It's almost to her waist.? When she
explained her reason for growing it so long I realized just
how grown up she had become. She made up her mind she wasn't
going to have it cut until until it was long enough to
donate it to Locks? Of Love - A program that weaves human
hair into wigs for children who have lost theirs due to
cancer or illness.
Last week, Binnie and? her mom? had an
appointment at the beauty salon.? She was so excited because
she knew she was doing a good deed.? It is what motivated
her to sit still and tall in the chair as the hairstylist
cut the long ponytail of hair hanging down Binnie's back. ? I
like to think of Binnie as an old soul in a young body. Most
kids her age wouldn't even grasp the concept, let alone part
with their hair to help? a total stranger. Locks? Of Love is a
wonderful program dedicated to helping children.? ? It is a
priceless opportunity for children to help other children by
giving a selfless gift of themselves, something that - like
love - will continue to grow.
Bio
Kathy Whirity lives in Chicago with her
husband of 28 years, Bill, and their two daughters Jaime and
Katie. Kathy is a columnist for two area newspapers? where
she shares her sentimental? musings on? family life.? ? ?
If you would like more information on
Locks Of Love please click on the link below.
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