As I was growing up I noticed that most people were taller than I was. Since my mom was short, I realized that if you plant apple seeds, you get apples. I was going to be a short person. My mom taught me many strange things, one of which was to never, ever draw attention to myself. I also have red hair. Maybe I should say auburn. Reddish brown with gold highlights. Maybe 1-3% of American women are born with red hair.
I spent many nights wishing I could grow taller to blend in. Our bones ossify at about age 21, so I had to accept that I was not going to grow. I also spent many nights wishing I could have perfect vision. Without correction, I was blind as a bat. I refused to wear glasses. Eventually they made extended wear contact lenses. I found them to be almost like having real vision.
By age 14 I had won the hair length argument with my mom. She wanted it short. I was taller than her by then so I won. I grew it down to my bum. A teenage girl, who is 5’ tall, weighs about 85 lbs dripping wet and has long red hair does draw attention just by virtue of being different. Hey, she gave me the DNA. Of course, I didn’t know people were looking at me because I couldn’t see them anyway.
A couple of years ago I had Lasik surgery done. I do not need glasses even for reading. I won’t get taller, but I got half of my childhood wishes. Not a bad average.
2 comments:
I like the way you tell a story! ~H
I love this entry. Maybe it's because now I know you're not 6' 4", 275lbs and a female powerlifter for the Bulgarian Olympic team. I still have bruises where the last one hugged me.
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