This article grabbed my attention because, unfortunately, I recently found out my cancer has come back. Luckily I'm married to a pretty amazing man and we are celebrating our five year anniversary in just a couple weeks. Reading the other responses to this article is a total roller coaster ride.
It doesn't surprise me that men are more likely to leave their sick wives than the other way around. Most likely it has to do with how women are socialized to nurture and care for others while men tend to be encouraged to be providers. Either way, I appreciate learning about this awful phenomenon and am grateful for everyone who's shared their personal experience --whether that of the patient or that of the caregiver.
I love everything about what you shared here. I'm not 40 yet, but I've had many of the same experiences you described so beautifully--the boxed dye, letting my roots grow out during covid, then re-evaluating after the pandemic eased a bit to consider if I wanted to go back to color. I even played with vibrant shades like pink and purple dyes that ended up staining my hair! When I'm 40 I might see what it looks like to let the gray grow out a bit more, but I've got a few years still to go.
Thank you for sharing these reflections. I'm going to keep in mind the "quirky friend that comes to visit."
