I will again be participating this year in honor of my daughter, Becca, who lost her battle with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in 2008. Thanks for your support. Kathy's poem for Becca is below.
She Lost Her Ponytail
Before she lost her hair, she lost her ponytail. Her ponytail, she insisted, go to someone else in need.
Before she lost her eyebrows and eyelashes, she lost her ponytail. Her ponytail exposed the long eyelashes and delicate brows defining her beautiful green eyes.
Before she lost her energy, she lost her ponytail. Her ponytail flew in the breeze when she could run with carefree abandon.
Before she lost her freedom, she lost her ponytail. Her ponytail had swung with a jauntiness belonging to a child of independence.
Before she endured pain and suffering, she lost her ponytail. Her ponytail had moved in harmony with the many phases of her moods.
Before she fought for her life, she lost her ponytail. Her ponytail had always been there to braid, to curl, to pull out, to put up or to straighten. And she thought to frame her character and beauty.
Before she lost her battle, she lost her ponytail. Her ponytail was always greatly missed, but without it, she found she had great courage, faith, humor and love. And was beloved by many for being, inside and out, a person of great beauty !
For my Becca
February 2008
With all my love, Mom