Our group of friends couldn’t believe the incredible Colleen Dreskell, my youthful partner in crime, could own and wear wigs. Her iconic hair and fashion flowed in sync with her indomitable look. But surprise surprise. There’s no doubt “Lady Fabulous” remains known because of her impeccable looks. Not many in town can tell she utilizes well-crafted African American wigs. They work well.
When we were young girls in the hill country, we used to stole the spotlights to every dance. A few years went by before her alopecia reared its head and she became nearly bald. I did hint at a few synthetic wigs. Even so she just shaved her head. The incredible woman somewhat obnoxiously showcased her shaved head.
At her boyfriend Jacob’s homecoming, we ate nuts until some kluts purposefully launched the ball (or whatever they play with) at us. Such a sport, she went to grab it when her hand-knitted “head sweater” (her idea) fell off, revealing her thinning hair. Like nothing happened, she lobbed it playfully to her man. That’s so her!
But, who can be invincible at all times? Not too long after she invited me over for a “Gilmore Girls” binge, where she looked me in the eye and informed me that she opts to do without hair out of bitterness. She missed her natural hair too much to become dependent on human hair wigs, secretly acknowledging she would wear them. At that disclosure, the punk grew embarrassed and demanded that I shouldn’t concern myself with it. She really needed help.
I wanted to help so bad. The next morning, I IM’d with her about taking care of this wig problem. Finally we both came to the obvious conclusion: we were going wig shopping! One for me and one for her.
We had a ball wig shopping, floored by the options. I couldn’t believe that women’s medical wigs could be so natural for a lot of people. These were exactly what she needed. As for me, arranged a completely new set of outfits to go with my synthetic wig. Out of solidarity, you know. Last Christmas she gave me a photo of us in our wigs and thanked me for her dignified synthetic wig, and said it brought about a feminine mystique that she’d forgotten. It’s heartwarming to watch her float about as light as a feather. Can’t wait to see that infamous “toss ‘n turn” again.
