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In March, fellow hiker Hubert Latham sent me an e-mail. Finally, he’d made a decision.

Within three weeks, the task he planned two years earlier would take place. I promised to be there, along with my husband, Joe, to witness and document the phenomenon.

When we reached 3209 Summit Ave. in Greensboro, we peeped inside and were reassured. The place, Northside

Beauty Salon, was equipped for what needed to be done. 

Stylist Rhonda Clark prepped Latham, then asked, “Ready?”

When he nodded, she divided his hair into six ponytails and picked up the scissors.

That’s the end of the story. But not the end of the 12-inch salt-and-pepper ponytails. The final destination for the hair will be Locks of Love, an organization that provides hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children with long-term hair loss.

How did it begin?

A few years ago, Latham let his hair grow a bit long. A man who leads hikes at least three days a week, he found benefits: “The extra hair kept me warmer in winter and protected my scalp from sun in summer,” he said.
As his hair continued to lengthen, few objected. 

His wife said, “Good for you,” when he revealed his intention, and the couple’s son, Robert, who wears his own locks shoulder length, encouraged his father to go for it. Because Latham retired from US Airways in 2001, he had no employer to disapprove.

A board member and frequent hike leader of the Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club, Latham’s dedication to trail maintenance took precedence in the minds of fellow hikers over any objections they might have to long hair. Once, on an exciting trek at Glacier National Park in Montana, Latham covered 96 miles in six days. While there, 23 bears were spotted. Latham said none of the animals reacted negatively to his hairstyle.

Also admired by members of the recently formed Bear Creek Hiking Club of Robbins, Latham hiked with the club and agreed to be a featured speaker.

Regardless of his hair style, members of Buffalo Presbyterian Church appreciate Latham for his faithful service to the church and his sense of humor. A favorite activity takes place at the Valentine Dinner held each year. Latham and the other men in the church cook, serve and entertain the women. 

“They love seeing us make fools of ourselves,” he said.

His generosity also extends to the community. For six years, he volunteered in the Emergency Assistance Department of Greensboro Urban Ministry. In the past, he has served as a leader for both the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. His generous heart is what counts. How he wears his hair makes no difference. After all, didn’t Jesus wear his hair long? 

Two years ago, when Latham went for a trim, his stylist at Northeast Beauty Salon suggested a haircut.
“You could send your hair to Locks of Love,” she said. 

Latham took to the idea. But the ponytail would need to be at least 12 inches. For two years he let it grow until March, when it was long enough.

After the haircut, Latham grinned.  “I feel a draft in here,” he said. Everyone offered congratulations and compliments.  Even Latham appeared pleased when he viewed himself in the mirror. 

“How are you going to celebrate?” I asked.

“I think I’ll take a walk in the rain,” he said.

Contact Sandra Redding at sandraredding@earthlink.net