Not Shaving in November

This year I will be taking part in No Shave November. I Have never really liked having or growing a beard in the past and have never taken part in the annual event, No Shave November. Although I have been wearing the same mustache and soul patch, as it is called, for over 20 years. My better half has made veiled threats at what might happen if I ever shave my mustache off.

After seeing that the Olney Police Department would be taking part in the annual event, I decided I would do it as well. In part to help support our local law enforcement, because they need our support more than ever, partly because I have had quite a few family members who have had cancer in one form or another.

My Nanny (Grandmother) had breast cancer, my mom had breast cancer and my father had colon cancer. Although my Dad had his cancer successfully removed and was recovering, he died about a week after surgery through complications from the surgery. My dad and I had a very rocky relationship and I had seen him little since moving out on my own at 15. But in his last year or two, I had been rebuilding my relationship with him. It took a lot of forgiveness and just time hanging out. I cherish that brief time and am incredibly grateful for having the opportunity to heal old wounds.

According to preventcancer.org, No-Shave November is a month-long campaign to raise awareness and funding for cancer prevention, research and education. The idea behind not shaving is to donate the money you would spend on shaving and grooming to donate to research. Also, by not shaving it will make people ask, why are you not shaving? That opens room to explain why and ask the person to help support cancer research or have a conversation about a personal story about how cancer has affected your family. If you would like to donate, please go to no-shave.org/donate and type in Olney Police Department under organizations search.