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After being natural since 2001, I decided to do a Big Chop (BC) towards the end of 2006.
I can only remember my Mother with short hair in two variations, relaxed or natural. After relaxing and dying her limited grays a subtle burgundy, her beautician would take a thin curling iron for impeccable rows of tight spritz curls. After a visit to the salon she would have fresh curls and scabs. She was so tender headed, and her scalp so sensitive she always fell victim to chemical burns.
I always thought it was user error, but now I think the harsh chemicals just didn’t agree with her.
Her alternative, money saving doo was the short natural fro. This simple style held several variations depending on the mood of her barber. The lower the fade, the better and more compliments she would receive. I admire her ability to shine by taking away the distraction of hair. 
When I found out my mother was sick, my hair started to fall out. Unable to maintain healthy hair, I finally decided to shave it off, just like my Mom. I moved back home to help her through what I thought would be a temporary sickness. In a way I was correct. In a matter of months, my vibrant and loving Mom had passed.
After dealing with her sickness, and death my health declined. I lost weight and had trouble thinking clearly. In my own way, I felt proud to wear my hair short and natural just like my mother. My resemblance to her helped when I looked in the mirror every day. My nephews would tell me, wow, you look just like nana, as their hugs grew tighter. I think they imagined they were hugging their grandmother.
A year later, after much soul searching and healing, I began to grow my hair again. After going through so much distress, the fact that I have a full head of healthy hair means a lot. For me, it represents my inner growth.
so sorry for the loss of your mother. you sound like an incredibly strong woman and it was an inspiring story. stay lovely
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Wow - very inspirational…thanks for sharing :o)