It was meant to be the happiest day of my life. And it really was. However, it wasn’t the ceremony or the vows that left an impression. Everyone was in startled silence at the reception because of what Elias’s eight-year-old daughter did.
I can’t stop thinking about my wedding, therefore I feel compelled to describe what transpired! Even though it was the happiest and most poignant day of my life, there was one particular instance that affected me so profoundly that I still cry when I think about it.
A little background
I’ve experienced hair loss since I was a teenager. Wigs, caps, scarves—anything to cover up what I saw as a weakness—has been a long and agonizing process.
I eventually came to appreciate my appearance and learn to embrace who I am. Elias, my fiancé, was a big help. He always tells me, “You’re beautiful just the way you are,” and I genuinely believe it when he looks at me.
However, Elias and I are not the only characters in this tale. It also concerns his eight-year-old daughter, Nora. She immediately became a bright spot in my life; she was cheerful, intelligent, kind, and incredibly sympathetic.
When she was three, her mother moved overseas, severed all ties, and vanished. Ever since, Elias has made every effort to provide her with a stable and contented life. I made a vow to Elias and to myself when we got engaged that I would formally adopt Nora following the wedding. I desired for her to feel cherished and loved.
The day of the wedding
When the eagerly anticipated day finally came, Nora looked like a princess from a fairy tale. She twirled in front of the mirror, beaming with happiness, her pale pink dress floating around her.
However, there was a problem: her bright pink knit winter hat was a little crooked and didn’t match her attire.
Elias arched his eyebrow in surprise and said, “Wouldn’t you feel more at ease without that hat, sweetie?”
With a hard shake of her head, Nora said, “No! It’s unique.
She gave me an enigmatic look, and I simply grinned back. I waited for her to inform me when she was ready, since children have their whims.
The ceremony was just as I had imagined it would be. I was driven to tears by Elias’s vows, and he squeezed my hands so tightly that it felt like an unbreakable commitment when I said mine.
Grinning like she was holding a secret, Nora stood next to Elias. My heart was flooded with love each time I gazed upon her.
A surprise present
I was dancing with Elias at the reception, lost in my feelings amid the music and laughing, when I looked over and saw Nora standing in the middle of the room. She was holding a present wrapped in ribbon.
Visitors exchanged inquisitive glances.
Elias scowled and asked, “What is she up to?”
My heart thumping, I responded, “No idea.”
“I have a gift for you, Maya,” said Nora clearly.
There was silence in the room. Everyone looked at us.
With my heart in my throat, I walked over to her.
– “What is it, my dear?”
She gave the package to me:
— “Open it. You’ll see.
I let the fabric down, carefully untied the ribbon, and then froze.
There were hairs inside. Shiny, long, and secured in a thick ponytail.
– “What is this, Nora?” My voice trembled as I whispered.
“It’s for you,” she continued, meeting my gaze.
I couldn’t understand and just stared at the hair in my hands. I glanced up slowly at Elias and then at Nora. Tears sparkled in his eyes. He gave a silent nod.
A hesitant smile crossed Nora’s lips as she shifted from foot to foot. Everything changed when she said, “Maya, I wanted to give you something special.” It’s for a love wig.
I blinked, trying to make sense of it.
— “A love wig?”
With flushed cheeks, she nodded and said, “Because I love you.” Additionally, I want your hair done with love.
Nora removed her hat before I could respond.
There was silence in the room.
She had lost the gorgeous long hair that had given her a princess-like appearance. A lovely curly bob clipped at her chin was all that was left.
With tears running down my face, I put my hands over my mouth.
— “Nora.”
She said, “I wanted it to be a surprise.” “Last week, Daddy took me to the hair salon. My hair was long enough to build a wig, they said. It’s your hair now.
Elias moved forward and said in a shaky voice: “It was all her idea. A month ago, she approached me and said she wanted to do something unique for you. She was adamant, even though I felt it was a lot to ask.
There were only sobbing in the room. I noticed that I wasn’t the only one crying; several of the visitors weren’t even trying to hide their tears.
Then the room exploded in cheers for Nora, which got louder and louder until everyone was on their feet.
I gave her the tightest hug I could.
— “This is the most exquisite present I have ever received. Nora, you have my undying love. I’m really proud of you; you are an amazing girl.
She gave me a strong hug in return, saying, “Mommy, I also love you.” My favorite person in the entire world is you.
I’ve been inseparable from Nora ever since that day. However, the tale did not stop there.
Elias stated a few weeks later: “We ought to take this further.”
“As in, establish a foundation to help people with alopecia feel beautiful,” I said, nodding.
With excitement, Nora said, “May I be of assistance? Like you, Mommy, I want to make people happy.
The “Wig of Love” Foundation was established as a result.
Years later, Nora whispered to me during one of the foundation’s events: “See, Mommy? Love makes everything better, I told you.
I realized again then why she is the best present I have ever received.