it's not all black and white

dearest gray hair,

hello, welcome to my head. although you are the only one of your kind - the new guy on the block - i encourage you to not be afraid. i assure you, other gray hairs will join your ranks, and you may not believe me now, but you will become the majority in due time.

it was a surprise to see you, even though i had been expecting your arrival years ago. both my parents met your kind at a young age, so i had a feeling our crossing would be soon...i just didn't know when. but now that you are a part of me, i feel relieved. i feel like i've earned you - this sign of age, this entryway into straight-up adulthood.

my mom said she met her first gray hair when she got married, so it could be quite possible you're here now because i'm getting married in less than a month. i don't know, but part of me likes to think you grew out of me now because i finally have some credibility in this world. i've been there and i've done that. and although i have so much more to experience and learn, i welcome the time, the age, and your fine presence: the symbol that represents my ever-evolving self.

have a blast, gray hair. it's about to get real.

sincerely,
the gal from which you sprout