TALE OF THE PONY TAIL
The professional looking envelope sat on our cutting board next to the kitchen sink, an odd place for a piece of mail, but then odd things happen around our house with regularity. Take the ten-year-old dog sporting the periwinkle blue diaper who lays in a wicker basket, that is filled with his lumpy dog-toy-stuffed-animals-that-squeak-when-he-bites-them, for example…
I didn’t recognize the company and probably would have chucked it in the junk mail pile had the spelling of my name not been correct, a rarity, believe it or not… I peeled back the edge of the flap with the dried glue on the back and worked my fat index finger in and used it as a barbaric letter opener that leaves a nasty and jagged entrance to the contents inside.
I quickly glanced the perfectly unfolded in thirds letter and read it over, “I’ll be… Well, that’s a first.” I mumbled to my wife who was sorting through the mountain of mail that would mostly end up in the trash can.
“What is it?” she asked, not looking up from her task. I handed it to her without offering an answer. She looked confused even as she was reading it, “What is this?” she demanded.
“It’s from the last people I sent my hair to,” I answered.
“Oh!” she mused.
“About time, huh?” I asked.
“Yeah, really,” she agreed.
“After all those years of sending my hair, this is the first one that actually sent a ‘thank you’ letter,” I pondered aloud and hence forth comes the tale of the pony tail…
If my count is right, I’ve sent in my bound and cut locks seven times… that’s gotta be over six feet of hair. Before you get the idea that my right hand is bragging to my left, let me clarify: my hair grows rapidly and to keep it manicured perfectly would take at least twice a month maintenance at minimum.
It’s not a priority for me, I want fast and easy, and letting it grow while in a pony tail is more of a too busy and too lazy mentality. So I figure if I’m going to be like that, the least I can do is let it get long enough and endure the inconvenience of the last four months or so when the length bugs me to no end for the benefit of someone else…
The first lopped off pony tail I sent to be used to make wigs for kids with cancer was more than fourteen inches. The last one I sent to the nonprofit company was the one with the least restrictive tolerances, it was around ten inches at the tip.
Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t send it to get a “thanks,” I sent it for what I envisioned in my mind to be beautiful little girls created by our Father who might want to wear a wig while going through chemo… I thought about if it were to have been one of my girls when they were young, which they were back when I started sending in the chopped off pony tails.
While I was considering the other companies who didn’t send a “thank you” note, I thought about the friends that paid for dinner a few weeks back that I forgot to “thank”. I also thought about all I take for granted in my life and how I tend to have an expecting attitude instead of a thankful one.
I reflect on all the days that I didn’t say thank you to my Father and family… I was reminded that we don’t give to get, but we are to be grateful for all things… not the least of which is you… From the bottom of my heart and the tip of my short pony tail, I say “thank you” for being here. I’m honored.
Pam
Sunday, November 3, 2013 @ 5:42 am
Great post,Floyd. You have an amazing gift for description!
I often wonder at the lengths of God’s love, extending even to the many of us who are His ungrateful children.
Floyd
Sunday, November 3, 2013 @ 9:34 am
We all miss seeing how blessed we are and forget to be thankful along the way, but searching in humility for it goes a long way in our heart and to our Father. I wonder and marvel too… Thanks, Pam.
Betty Draper
Sunday, November 3, 2013 @ 9:45 am
So you are not one of those old hippies who just like to grow their long as a sign of rebellion or just hate going to the barber as much as going to the dentist. I am impressed, promise I will never look at a long hair older man the same way after this post. Since God has numbered all the hairs on our head I sure He delights in your giving of His creation of hair. Great post brother…
Floyd
Sunday, November 3, 2013 @ 10:33 am
I don’t see you as being overly judgmental by any stretch, Betty. We all struggle with it some, me as much as the next person… And I’m the one person you’d think that would never judge a book by it’s cover! We need constant reminders and encouragement… I always appreciate yours, sister. Thank you!
bill (cycleguy)
Sunday, November 3, 2013 @ 2:32 pm
You have hair to give? How about sending some my way. I get them to make a toop for me. I kid. I kid. Glad to hear my hippie friends does not change my mind about him at all. He is a caring man who thinks of others (even if he is a child in a grown up old man’s body). But I still envy the hair. 🙂 Then again, when it takes me less than 5 minutes to get a shower, I don’t miss it at all. Good thing too. I have no clue where it went.
Floyd
Sunday, November 3, 2013 @ 5:30 pm
Oh it’s leaving me, slower than some, but still going the way of the disappearing act. Besides, they say only the best looking people are the ones that God takes hair from anyway! Thanks for the kind words, Bill.
Dan Black
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 11:10 pm
HA, that’s funny!
Floyd
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:04 am
Glad to be of service!
Dolly@Soulstops
Sunday, November 3, 2013 @ 5:55 pm
Floyd,
What a delight to find an unexpected “thank you” although you don’t give your hair for that reason, but still what a nice surprise, and for you to then think of all the ways, you can give thanks…wonderful 🙂 I am impressed your hair grows that fast, and that you are doing something beautiful and good with your gift of fast growing hair 🙂 Thank you for how you encourage others and me 🙂
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 4:54 pm
It was a surprise to get that thank you note for sure. And thanks to you for your encouragement as well, Dolly. We are called to lift one another up… so thanks for your obedience too, sister.
Lynn Morrissey
Sunday, November 3, 2013 @ 6:13 pm
Great story Floyd and what a gifted author you are. I agree w/ the commenter above, that you have a real flair for description. Moreoever, you have a generous heart, and you’re right, we give because we love doing it (and because He’s given us so much). But it does feel good when thanks is given too. Thank you for sharing.
Fondly
Lynn
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 4:55 pm
Thank you, Lynn. Coming from someone like you that writes so eloquently is a kind gift and encouragement… but I also know that one of your gifts is giving and encouragement. Thanks for sharing that gift so kindly here, sister.
Barb Raveling
Sunday, November 3, 2013 @ 8:21 pm
That’s great that you give your hair, Floyd. And as a man, you can cut it shorter when you chop it all off. My girls have both given their hair to Locks of Love, I think a couple of times. It’s a wonderful ministry. But hadn’t thought of men doing it. What a great idea!
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:06 pm
Locks of Love is where I’ve sent most of mine over the years, but I was fed up and wanted to get the hair off my neck and found Children With Hair Loss and they’re specifications were nine inches… So off it went! I just keep it long enough to get in a pony tail so I don’t have to hassle with it. I’m with you, tell your girls I said I appreciate their heart. It really is a sacrifice for girls. Thanks, Barb.
Hazel Moon
Sunday, November 3, 2013 @ 11:14 pm
Thanks for the reminder to thank others (and God too) for the little things given, and big things too. This is really a cool thing that you do, and an awesome post. Doing something with out needing a thank you and then getting one out of the blue is a real treat. I do thank God daily for our many blessings. I look over at my husband and say to myself, “Thank you father for this man that you have given to me.” Truly that is a nightly thought as I slip into bed each night.
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:09 pm
That is so wonderful that you are still thankful for Robert and tell our Father daily! What a witness that is, Hazel! The heart of thankful people seem to spread joy and peace from Above. That is so cool! You never cease to amaze me, sister. Tell Robert I said “hello” and thanks for the smile and lesson… Again!
Betty Jo
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 2:43 am
You are a gifted writer Floyd, for sure. You had me giggling at the start of this post with these awesome descriptions “odd things happen around our house with regularity” and “old dog sporting the periwinkle blue diaper” as well as the opening of the envelope. But, soon after the giggles, another emotion surfaced, and I had tears in my eyes and my thought was, “That’s just like Floyd,” as you described growing your hair for children. I don’t know you personally, but I can say with certainty, your caring heart shines through your posts. You’re right, we don’t say “Thank you” enough. So, from the bottom of my heart and the tip of my short gray hair, I say “thank you Floyd” for being here in blog-land. I’m honored to at least touch that beautiful spirit of yours through my monitor. Be blessed my brother!!
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:13 pm
I’m not sure I size up to that kind account, Betty Jo, but those gentle words are a gift and a reminder of the kind of heart we all need to share not with just our sisters and brothers in Christ, but all the people that our Father has cross our paths in this life. You’re an inspiration to me, Betty Jo. Thanks, sister and our Father’s abundant blessings on you as well.
Mia
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:20 am
Dear Floyd
This is an excellent idea. Not long ago I read an article of how the Asian women would sell their beautiful long black hair to help feed their families and it broke my heart! Yes, my friend, we always need to remember that every good gift comes from our Pappa’s hand; even long hair we can use to help someone else. And I know you are the kind of guy that feels blessed to help another in their need as if the favor is done to you!
Blessings XX
Mia
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:16 pm
It does feel good to be able to help out and it’s really pretty easy for me to do it. It’s not like a huge sacrifice for me that’s why I didn’t mind sharing it. It is a blessing to give that’s for sure and we give one another our words of encouragement and they echo the words of our Father… and never return void. Thanks for sharing your gift as well, Mia.
Caleb Suko
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 7:43 am
My youngest brother grew his hair out when he got out of the army 2 years ago. He came to Ukraine to visit us this past August and had my wife cut it so that he could send it in to locks of love. That’s pretty amazing that you got a thankyou note back. I remember when our little boy was bald from going through chemo. We didn’t get a wig for him because he was too little and a boy but I know that many of the girl patients who were also being treated with in the same clinic did have wigs. Who knows, I could have been in the same room with your hair.
Giving without expecting “thanks” is a good reminder of the selfless way that we should always be giving.
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:37 pm
I’m with you, Caleb. I needed to remind myself that very thing of being thankful, we all have so much to be thankful for. That’s cool that your brother donated his hair too. It’s a pretty simple gift really and the fact that you got to see that first hand with your son brings it into a brighter light. Thanks for sharing that, Caleb. Thanks, brother.
Nannette and the Sweetheart
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 7:59 am
LOVE this post Floyd. I will be saying “thank you” more often…I promise!! Thank you for donating you ponytail! ♥
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:39 pm
Thanks, Nannette. I need to be saying and living a more thankful life and just need to remind myself by looking at all the gifts provided by our Father. It’s nice to see you again!
David
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 8:40 am
Ponytail —-> Gratefulness? You keep surprising me how well you can take the common and ordinary and use it to remind us of the Supernatural … the Great Provider! You indeed have a unique gift. THANK YOU for sharing it with the rest of us.
Thanks also for giving me pause to reflect and try to take less for granted and to make sure I dole out honest “thank-yous” generously.
I grew a pony tail once, it took the better part of 4 months and I think it was 6 inches long – if I stretched it – when I finally lopped it off. You not only have a gift for words you apparently have a gift for hair as well, and like yours words, you generously share your hair.
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:42 pm
Brother? You have such a gift of encouragement and words it’s heart warming… Reading your words is like opening a gift at Christmas time, David. One of those kind of gifts that can be used and benefit many. I too need to live that life of conscious thankfulness. Thank, David.
Lisa notes
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 8:43 am
Glad you got a thank-you. It is nice to hear, even when it’s not what we’re aiming for. Jenna donated her hair this past spring and actually got a thank you letter too. Made her day.
And yes, it reminds us how important it is for us to say thank you as well. So thank YOU for your faithfulness in sharing your God and your life with all of us. You’ve been quite a blessing!
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:44 pm
Good for Jenna! Thanks for the kind words and gracious heart, Lisa. We are called to lift one another up… and thanks for doing your part, sister.
Audra Krell
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 9:28 am
Love finding this out about you! Does your generosity have no end? You’re one of the best men I know Floyd, a privilege to be be sure. Thank YOU for your friendship.
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:46 pm
Oh man… You’re too kind, Audra. I appreciate your friendship as well, Audra, it goes both way, sister. It might be time to have another writers meeting!
Audra Krell
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 6:21 pm
Sounds like it just might be. A holiday hello!
Floyd
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 4:52 pm
I’m in!
Jason Stasyszen
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 9:32 am
Great post, Floyd. I may not be able to identify with the hair so much, but I definitely identify with the other points. 🙂 Thankful for you–your encouragement, your heart, and your wisdom. Blessings to you!
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:47 pm
And I’m thankful for yours, Jason. Iron sharpens iron, brother… You’re a blessing to me.
April
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 11:25 am
Thanks for being part of our extended family, Floyd!
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:48 pm
I’m honored to be part of your family! And not just in our spiritual family! Tell Stephen I said hi and greet your mom for me… You guys are the best. Thanks, April!
Keith Walker
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 12:23 pm
As we should thank you being here. We are all the better for it.
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:50 pm
Thank you, my friend. And thanks for all you do for me, man. You’re a class act, Keith.
tcavey
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 2:46 pm
Another great teaching lesson for us all from your everyday life! Great job.
I try to be appreciative, but I know there is so much I take for granted. Thanks for this kind reminder and thank you for giving your hair, you don’t have to.
God bless.
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:51 pm
You already know that we’re on the same page, TC… Thanks for your encouragement and passion, sister. It is always appreciated.
Kristin
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 5:32 pm
I lOVED this! I love that you don’t just cut it off and let in land on the floor to be swept up and thrown away but is used for something so beautiful! And from one who does say Thank You in a journal every day, you should try it. It makes me see more throughout the day that is a gift and naming them brings God into the moments. Ann Voskamp calls them holy moments and they truly are. I am thankful for your stories, each one of them, and for your heart and for your pony tails. God truly uses everything we bring for good! 🙂
Floyd
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 6:01 pm
That sounds like a wonderful habit to get into. My friend Lynn Morrissey wrote a book about that titled, “Love Letters From God.” I do but not daily. All good things do belong to our Father and come from His loving hand. Thanks, Kristen.
Hazel Moon
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 7:19 pm
Thanks for the awesome Post shared with us here at “Tell Me a Story.”
Floyd
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 4:52 pm
Thanks for hosting and letting me share it with all your community, Hazel!
child of God
Monday, November 4, 2013 @ 9:36 pm
Nice! What a wonderful thing to do. That’s very kind and unselfish of you to grow your hair and give it to kids, or whoever is in need of it.
How often I forget to say thank you to those who do things for me. Thanks for the reminder you made a great point.
Blessings my long haired brother. 🙂
Floyd
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 4:56 pm
It’s not all me being a good guy, it’s easier for me to do it so that makes it not count so much I think. But we all need a reminder once in a while to be continuously grateful… I have been far more blessed than I could ever grasp on this side of the curtain realm. You’re welcome, sister. And thanks!
Brenda Pridmore
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 10:13 am
Hello, my friend. I still enjoy your writings. It’s a beautiful gift that you are giving. I admire that. Have you heard of Joni and Friends? I went to a benefit dinner on Saturday and met Joni, herself. An experience that I will never forget. Yesterday I called Joni and Friends wanting to donate a wheelchair of mine. The one that my dad gave me for Christmas. In response to your questions, yes I am still working out. I’m going to the LA Fitness on third street and Greenway Parkway. Three days a week. sometimes two if something comes up. I can’t say for sure when I get there because of Dial A Ride. I’m usually there in the mornings. tomorrow I might be there by ten. I hope. Friday, I should be there by nine. And, I’m usually there on Mondays by nine as well. I hope this helps and is not confusing. Catch ya later!
Floyd
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 4:58 pm
That is so kind of you to donate, Brenda. I’m not surprised, sister. I’m going to make it over to that club and catch up with you. Good for you for practicing persistence and perseverance. Tell the family I said “hi”! Thanks, Brenda. I’m always honored to hear from you.
Loren Pinilis
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 4:27 pm
I read stories about, for instance, the lepers that Jesus healed – and only one returned to say thanks. It sounds crazy. But then I think about how I have the same lack of gratitude for so many things.
Floyd
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 5:00 pm
Oh man… Good point and example, Loren. That strikes right at the heart of truth! We have something to fall on our knees and give thanks for daily and yet sadly we’re looking for something else… Excellent point, Loren. I appreciate that wisdom, sir! Thank you.
Joanne Norton
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 4:31 pm
I understand. I get side-issued too easily. My husband always thanks me for doing dishes, doing the laundry, cleaning the house, or nearly anything else. I INTEND to thank him for all he does, but I get too easily disconnected.
NOW, re: hair. Mine if growing and kept long for the first time in more than 20 years. It’s about 3 inches below my neck, onto my back, now. Not even too gray, so, with my AGE that’s pretty good. I also LIKE to see men with long-ish hair.
I’ll be trying to catch up with you in the next few days. So much reading, writing, and going out and around on my plate. But you’re on my heart if not in my eyes, Bro.
Floyd
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 5:04 pm
Good for you, Joanne! Mine used to be blond so it’s greying is hard to see, but it’s not going away! I get too busy as well, but what a great trait for David to have with you. That’s inspiring. Good to hear from you, sister. I’m honored to have place in that heart of yours… God has made it abundant in grace. Beautiful words. Thanks, Joanne.
Dan Black
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 @ 11:12 pm
Hello Floyd,
Your doing a noble thing by donating your hair. It’s essential that we do something that give back to our community/church. Serving and helping those around us is so important and it can advance the Kingdom of God!
Floyd
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:07 am
It’s not a huge deal for me, Dan. Otherwise I wouldn’t have shared it. It’s really a by-product of my not wanting to spend the time doing the things I don’t want to do. I loathe sitting in a barber’s chair. So if I can get something out of doing what I want it makes it a little less palatable. But I appreciate the kind words. Thanks, Dan.
Rachael
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 9:33 am
You are welcome! It is good to have you around. I enjoy your perspectives and bits of wisdom you share from everyday life moments. As bloggers we appreciate each other’s encouragement and often get inspired to keep going when the going gets tough and the words won’t come! Thank you too, Floyd for being that inspiration and encouragement!
Floyd
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 @ 12:28 pm
You’re right, Rachael. It is a two way street, we give and we get and may we bring honor to our Father who provides the inspiration to begin with. Even Stephen!
Nancy
Thursday, November 7, 2013 @ 5:55 pm
Funny you should bring up this subject. I just spend a good deal of time writing notes to people. It has been so long since I have been able to get back to it. I am always amazed at the lives that are touched or the stories that come back later. Its so GOD. Usually the notes are uplifting notes or notes of gratitude. Like you, receiving a “thank you” makes my day. I want to pass along the blessing. I am really loving technology as well. I find that I am able to pray for many people, daily, because through the use of text. Thanks for sharing – I am always blessed.
Floyd
Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 10:27 am
I so appreciate your ministry, Nancy. The best part is that you go about it with no expectations. I know I’ve told you before, but I just want you to know that I thank you for the time spent caring and praying for my family and I. I’m praying for you and yours. Thanks, sister.