Sometimes, life throws something at you that puts everything else in perspective.
It's so easy, especially today, to become preoccupied with the minute details of raising your kids. In a world where everyone is watching and judging your every move as a parent, it's hard not to be preoccupied with the crazy outfits your kids have thrown together or the out-there hairstyles they're begging you to let them get.
Many people struggle with these kinds of tricky parenting situations, but so rarely do people speak out and stick up for their decisions while also being respectful of others' parenting decisions.
But what if something happened that allowed you to do just that?
Life is short, and tomorrow is no guarantee. So love your kids, guide them, but don't get so wrapped up in the small stuff that you forget about what truly matters: raising a kind and compassionate person — funky hair or not.
That's exactly the message mom Rachel Carpenter is trying to spread about her daughter's spunky, pink hairdo.
Thumbnail Photo: Facebook / Frank Somerville and Facebook / Rachel Ann Carpenter
When mom Rachel Carpenter took to Facebook to share her daughter's story, she probably didn't expect to receive the kind of attention that she did. A few adorable, personal photos and one touching story later, though, and thousands of people were moved by her words.
She writes:
Life is way too short to say NO all of the time. This time last year she asked me if she could have pink hair and I said no.
A few days later at a camp they were doing a demonstration involving fire and something went wrong and it caught her on fire. She had horrible burns over 70% of her body.
This time last year we were in the hospital with her, not knowing if she was going to live or not. So this time, when she asked me if she could have pink hair, I said yes.
That experience taught me you never know how much time you have left with anyone. So say yes more often, and don't care if anyone thinks your child with pink hair is ridiculous!
Rachel's daughter, Nevaeh — whose name Rachel told KTVU's Frank Somerville is "heaven" spelled backwards — first came to her about a year ago, asking if she could dye her hair pink. Rachel said "no," of course.
A few days later, though, Nevaeh was burned in a horrible accident at camp. The burns covered 70% of her body, and Rachel and her family were left wondering if their little girl would make it.
Nevaeh did survive, and she's doing just fine today.
Rachel told Frank Somerville that Nevaeh is doing much better now, though she still has to wear tight compressions to help heal her burns. And she will likely face difficulties with her burns as she grows.
After everything that's happened, the burns, the hospital stay — even celebrating Nevaeh's 10th birthday in the hospital — Rachel emerged with a new attitude about parenting.
The next time Nevaeh asked to dye her hair pink, Rachel had a different answer for her daughter: "yes!"
Nevaeh got her hair dyed pink, just like she wanted, and she looks great! Above, Nevaeh shows off her gorgeous rosy locks, and Mom couldn't be happier.
There might be a few naysayers out there who don't approve of the hairdo, but as Rachel points out, life is too short to worry about negative people.
In an adorable video on Rachel's Facebook page, Nevaeh shows off her energetic personality.
She dances around so happily, you barely notice the scars on her arms and legs because of the joy that radiates off of her.
Nevaeh will be celebrating her 11th birthday this month, a fact Rachel and her family are surely thankful for.
Rachel's outlook has been forever changed by what happened, as she reiterates in her Facebook post about Nevaeh's new do.
Her new policy? "…say yes more often, and don't care if anyone thinks your child with pink hair is ridiculous!"
Do you agree?
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