Going Gray III

By Carolyn J. Rose

The long journey into gray is nearly over.

A year ago I sucked it up and made the decision to stop coloring my hair.

The first few months—and inches—were the hardest, especially since I decided to let go and let it grow without benefit of rinses to cover the roots during the process.

Every time I looked in the mirror I had second thoughts. Every time I caught women at the pool staring, I waffled. Several times I almost dialed the salon to beg my hairdresser for forgiveness and plead for her to take me back.

But then came the day when the last bit of color was out of my bangs and I spotted a swath of silvery gray. I tell myself it adds character. And, let’s be brutally honest, it will ensure that I get a senior discount if I don’t happen to have my driver’s license as proof of age.