Bald Eagle

Diane and I once were asked to be “Mom” and “Dad” for a CORE weekend, a weekend similar to a Cursillo weekend, but adapted for young adults 18-25. I remember the first prep meeting we had with the team members who were to play an active role as leaders (big brothers and big sisters) during the weekend. I had no previous experience moderating a group in that age range and I felt unsure as to how to go about it. At the beginning of the meeting, it was also obvious that the team leaders also felt a bit self-conscious and uneasy. Instinctively, I realized I had to do something to break the ice and lighten things up. I, therefore, took on a solemn air and started speaking, “I have a confession to make. There is something about me that you need to know. Those of you with a keen sense of observation may already suspect it, but I still think I should have it out in the open. I am bald.” The whole group burst out laughing, tension was dissipated, and we had a very good meeting.

You’ve probably heard this joke: “God made only a few perfect heads. The others he covered with hair.” The joke is often told by someone who is self-conscious about his baldness or who is concerned about losing his hair. I am no longer self-conscious about my baldness. It is part of who I have been for over 40 years. I like being bald. I once wrote an article in French entitled, “Of bald heads and other wonders that God made.” That title was not an attempt at being facetious. I believe God makes only perfect heads. They are sometimes covered with hair and sometimes not.