MY DAUGHTER WAS THRILLED TO HOLD HER NEWBORN SISTER, UNTIL SHE WHISPERED ONE WORD THAT SHOOK ME TO MY CORE!

In my office, he stayed silent, the hat still on. When he finally spoke, his voice was barely audible. “Please don’t make me take it off.”

I pulled up a chair. “You know the rule,” I said gently. “But if there’s a reason, I’ll listen. I promise.”

He hesitated. His shoulders trembled. Then, in a voice that cracked on the last word, he said, “The kids laughed at me. Said my hair looks stupid. Patchy. Messed up.”

I looked closer. His face was pale, drawn. There was more than embarrassment in his voice — there was shame. And something deeper.

“Jaden,” I said, “if you’re okay with it, I can help. I’ve cut hair before. We can even it out.”

He paused, then gave a small nod.Continue reading…