looking good, feeling better

Yesterday,

my friend 

invited me to 

volunteer 

for

Look Good, Feel Better.

It is a program

administered by the

American Cancer Society

designed for women

who have been diagnosed with cancer.

When starting treatment,

oncologists recommend throwing away old makeup 

because it harbors bacteria.

This program provides a kit filled with new makeup

and personal care products,

along with instructions on how to apply the products,

how to choose and care for wigs,

and directions on how to use head coverings such as scarves.

At the beginning of the class,

everyone went around the room

and introduced themselves.

All kinds of women,

from all walks of life.

Cancer had made no distinction 

between race, socioeconomic status, or age.

The one thing 

these women had in common,

was a terrible phone call.

A diagnosis

that changed their lives.

I was moved by each and every story.

The beautiful truck driver - 

so proud of her son in college.

The quiet woman

whose young daughter came with her.

The elderly lady  

who loves working in her garden.

The gregarious city employee -

my age or younger.

So close to tears,

that all changed

as we commenced putting on makeup

and drawing on eyebrows.

Who knew what a difference

eyebrows make?!

These women were laughing

and strong.

And as they began looking better,

they began to feel

better.

Even with all of my nervousness,

I loved it.

I'm going back.

Each and Every Month.

  

The only part I didn't like

was leaving.

And wondering:

What happens to these women

after today?

How do I let them go

and not know

their progress?

In two hours,

they had impacted my life.

I wonder how they're doing today...