A new woman

This is Barbara.

She used to teach at the same school as my husband, until ill health made it impossible for her to continue. The Big C. Breast cancer.

Today, she had a makeover courtesy of a local hair salon, which she won through a public vote via Facebook.

I never go to that particular hairdresser, but I just happened to claim a 'late deal' offer and took the first appointment I was offered. Such a surprise, then, to see Barbara there being photographed for the salon's website. She was looking great and feeling fabulous.

It's only natural that she has changed considerably over the past year. Cancer has a way of focussing the mind, putting things into perspective. She finally made the decision to retire early and she is visibly lighter for doing so, like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders. After suffering crushing depression for years and years - before the cancer was discovered - she is brighter and more optimistic than ever before. Stronger too.

Barbara's a new woman in more ways than one :)