The Braids Reveal the Girl

Determination from our 10-Year-Old

Ever since our first Disney Cruise in October, 2014, Cupcake has wanted to get braids in her hair. The small all-over-your-head type that you see on the Carribean cruises. She had seen lots of girls getting it done and she begged me for a chance. Then, I could barely comb her long blonde hair with conditioner in the bath tub – I couldn’t imagine her sitting through it. But she never forgot and so on this cruise (to cold Iceland and Norwegian fjords) she was determined to get it done. Since it was cold on most of the cruise – we didn’t even realize there was a braid stand until a few days before the end. So we made an appointment for the last day at sea. Cupcake could not be more excited. This was going to be the highlight of the trip!

We washed, conditioned and combed her hair before the 10AM appointment. The style that she picked would have taken 4 hours (lots and lots of small braids all over). We compromised on small braids in front, big braids in the back. She was a little disappointed but acquiesced.

When the woman started, I could see the look of pain on Cupcake’s face. Her long hair still had that mineral (dried hairspray) feel to it, plus she has an incredibly sensitive head (as I have – I don’t like anyone brushing my hair). I told her she could stop, change her mind, but she persisted. Every braid was like a new source of torture. I think the pain just compounded as she had more and more braids. Wincing, grimacing, pulling away. Grit her teeth and shook when her hair was pulled. People walked by and commented on how unhappy she looked, how it must hurt. They smirked and chuckled and empathized. She wanted me to stay but I wasn’t allowed to look at her.

After the 14th braid was in she just broke down crying. I told her she could not do the back and through her tears she said that she wanted to keep going because, “It has been my dream for 2 years.” So she kept going.

It epitomizes everything that she is and so much of what I admire about her. She is un-wavering and determined. She is relentless and fearless. She knows what she wants and will not stop until she gets what she wants. She’s stubborn in the best possible way. She grits her teeth through the toughest moments and follows through.

Yes – it is just hair braiding. And it is true Cupcake. Love this girl so much.

Share

Sherpa Momma

Mary is our Sherpa Momma, carrying water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, tissues and more in her backpack. But, thankfully, no diapers. She's really just looking forward to having a rest. When she's' not tired, she's an aspiring coffeehouse singer / guitarist.