Today was a big day in our house.  Our famous-for-his-hair surfer dude decided it was time to take the plunge {or the chop} and go for the big cut.  I will say he emotionally prepared me well for this moment because the last time he had a hair appointment he told me it was going to happen.  And “okay buddy, whenever you’re ready,” was my response.  As it always has been.   The choice has always been his. But as we pulled into the parking lot he conducted a vote to chop or not to chop, and he voted no.

But this time was different, he was ready.

A few internet searches of hair cut possibilities later, he made a choice and he went for it.

But let me be clear on one thing.  For any of you out there seeing this picture and thinking, ‘finally.’ He didn’t do this for you or because of you.  It was for him.  For anyone who has ever called him a girl. Or asked him when he was going to cut his hair.  He heard you. His tender heart heard you.  And I heard you.  But to us it didn’t matter.  Because after patching up his tender heart each time, it provided us with the opportunity to revisit an important life lesson you helped me teach him. That the only opinion out there you should be worried about is your own. God of course, and your own. And to never live your life based on anyone else’s opinion of you. As long as you’re not hurting anyone else, do exactly whatever it is that makes you happy. ‘Cause haters gonna hate. And you’ll never please everyone.

So to the haters. On behalf of all the kids out there that dare to be different, and before our long-hair-don’t-care membership expires at midnight.  I want to thank you.  And forgive you.  And apologize to you that no one ever taught you the value of an opinion.