It was 1969, and back then, they gave women anesthesia during labor without asking. It was just something they did. Peggy didn’t get to see her baby for 24 hours. But when she did, her whole world stopped. She couldn’t believe she had created something so beautiful.

And even though Sylvia radiates joy, her biggest struggle has been learning to say NO. It took her all of 56 years to stop being a people pleaser. To learn to protect her sanity first. To realize that saying no is how you take care of yourself.

And the woman I was drawn to? The whole reason I stopped? That’s Regina — the one with the outrageously beautiful hair.

She was blindsided by breast cancer twelve years ago. It was difficult for her to wrap her head around because NO ONE in her family had ever had it. But she made it through all her treatments. Twelve years later, she is free and clear.

Even though we had never met before, we explored an enormous range of topics, from faith, family struggles, race, prejudice, cancer, self-preservation, and birth. All because I saw someone’s wild and free hair blowing in the wind.

I cannot thank you beautiful ladies enough, for saying yes, taking time out of your evening, and spending it with me.