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Alexandra’s Locks Of Love
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 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 pizzazz.
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 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.
If you would like more information on Locks Of Love please click
on the link below.
Locks of Love |
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