The Day I Shaved My Grandmother's Head
The Story of My Grams, the Healer
When I was in medical school, my grandmother, aka Grams, lived with myself and my family. She was diagnosed with breast cancer during my third year and required surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. She had the most beautiful, thick white hair—hair I had run my fingers through as a child, hair that framed her warm smile. But as chemo began, it started to fall out, strand by strand.
It didn’t take long before she felt embarrassed to leave the house. I could see the sadness in her eyes, the way she avoided mirrors, the quiet way she tried to tuck loose hairs into her scarf. One night, at midnight, we decided to take control of the situation—with a pair of hair clippers and some fun wigs. I remember standing there, hair clippers in hand, hesitating to shave her head. It felt like I was losing my Grams, as if taking her hair meant taking a part of who she was.
Then she smiled at me with that same unwavering strength and said something I will never forget:
“It’s okay, Laurie. Shave it off. It’s only hair, and I’m wishing for it to come back curly anyway.”
I was taken aback by her words. Instead of fear, she chose humor. Instead of grief, she chose resilience. I giggled, took the hair clippers, and first shaved her a mohawk before making her completely bald.
And guess what? She healed me in that moment. I thought I was the one helping her, but her lighthearted wisdom gave me a new perspective on strength, surrender, and joy in the face of hardship.
Oh, and her hair? It did come back curly.
Healing is About Connection, Not Credentials
Healing is not confined to a degree or a title. At its core, healing is about restoring wholeness—physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. It’s about helping people move from suffering to strength, from confusion to clarity, and from pain to peace.
You don’t need a medical degree to:
Listen deeply to someone who feels unheard.
Encourage a friend who is struggling with self-doubt.
Provide comfort to someone experiencing grief.
Teach someone how to nourish their body through better food choices.
Support a loved one in developing habits that promote wellness.
These actions are just as essential to healing as any prescription or medical treatment.
Healing Through Presence
Some of the most powerful healers in history were not doctors. They were teachers, spiritual guides, community leaders, friends, and family members who held space for others. Healing begins when people feel safe, seen, and supported.
Consider this: Have you ever been comforted by someone’s presence alone? Have you ever felt emotionally lighter after talking to a kind-hearted person? That’s healing in action. Sometimes, the best medicine isn’t a pill—it’s being truly present for someone.
Healing Through Knowledge and Wisdom
While doctors provide critical medical expertise, healing also happens through shared wisdom. Many cultures have relied on herbalists, nutritionists, meditation guides, and even storytellers to pass down healing knowledge. In today’s world, people are healing others by:
Teaching stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and breathwork.
Coaching individuals on building healthy habits.
Guiding people through emotional challenges with compassionate listening.
Empowering others with the tools to take control of their health.
If you’ve ever inspired someone to take better care of themselves, you’ve been a healer.
Healing Through Action
Healing isn’t just about what you say—it’s about what you do. You can heal through acts of service, kindness, and love. Consider these everyday ways people heal others:
A chef preparing nourishing meals that support physical well-being.
A fitness coach helping someone regain strength and confidence.
A parent comforting a child through a tough moment.
A friend reminding someone of their worth when they feel lost.
None of these require a medical degree, but all of them contribute to someone’s healing journey.
Your Next Step: Step Into Your Power as a Healer
Healing is not reserved for a select few. It starts with a choice—to show up, to care, and to take action.
Here’s your challenge:
Think of one person today who might need a little encouragement, a kind word, or support.
Reach out to them—send a message, give them a call, or simply be there.
Commit to healing in small ways—through kindness, education, and leading by example.
Healing is not just what doctors do in hospitals. It’s what we all do when we choose love over indifference, action over inaction, and connection over isolation.
The world needs more healers. Why not start with you?
Hello... I have been following your articles and they have provided me with incredible guidance in my life. This particular article significantly emphasizes how words and actions can make such a difference in a person’s life ...... the one who expresses their thoughts and the one who hears those inspirational words.... such a win-win interaction!
I went through the same moment when I was 17 during chemo. My head actually *hurt* as the hair was falling out, I looked scary, so finally while my mom and grandparents were napping (I stayed with them during treatment Cedar Sinai), I shaved it off....
But I shaved it into one of those cul-de-sac hairdos that old men have. Bald on top with a little U-shape of short hair around the sides. Because that's how my grandpa's hair looked. I even put a bandaid on the front of my forehead like he always had on his head from bumping into open cupboard doors. It made everyone laugh so hard we cried, and then finally I shaved the rest off.
There are miracles in the mess, in the madness. Some of the best humor is the darkest. Thanks for sharing your story. xx