Hubster's Project

Two weeks ago, the Hubster completed a project that had been in the works for more than two years.  I must say that I would have given up on the project ages ago, but he persevered and his effort has finally paid off.  Here is a clue:

June 2011

Do you have any guesses as to what that project might have been? No? Here is another clue:

June 2011

Any guesses?
After 20+ years of short military haircuts (which he kept even after retirement), he decided to grow his hair for Wigs for Kids.  When he announced his plan, I was surprised-this is a man who loves to get his haircut.  I can't even tell you how much we have spent over the years on his bi-weekly cut--the shorter the better.  See the skin showing in the photo above?  That is what the back of his head looked like for most of the 23 years that I knew him before this project. Now, I will concede that his hair does grow fast, but I don't think either of us knew how long it would take to get to the 12" required for the wig making process. I am also sure that he didn't realize the ramifications of training for triathlons with a long flowing mane either. We of course knew to expect the consternation of my family.  The horror with which they beheld a long haired Eldest as a toddler was nothing compared to having an adult male with long hair attend their church and be associated with them. In their world, conservative southern men just don't have long hair.
Of course, my parents were not the only ones to have a reaction.  Men with long hair still face prejudice from many directions in our society.  This was evident by the reactions of people that he came into contact with every day and the number of people who felt it necessary to comment on his hair. One little girl called him a "girl-boy" one night as he went to the gym--although he found it amusing, I find it sad that the old stereotypes are still being propagated.   Of course, he endured the mostly good-natured taunts of co-workers as well. He even had to endure some torment from his family when we would ask him questions like why a little kid would want gray hair.
All in all, he is glad that he did it.  He is really glad to be done too.  As triathlon training ramps up and the heat of summer along with it, he is enjoying the coolness of short hair once more. With this project in the books, he is looking for his next big project.  What that might be, I don't know.  I do know that whatever he chooses, he will see it through to completion.
If you or someone you know is inspired to donate hair as well, it takes many donations to make a wig.   If you don't have or want to grow long hair, most of these organizations also need cash donations to cover the cost of producing the wigs.   There are several organizations that provide similar services--do some research and decide which one best fits your belief system.

Here is the Hubster at the Nautica triathlon in New York City with 4 months of growth,

July 2009

and in Philly last summer at the Philly Insurance Triathlon with 15 months of growth.

June 2010