Auntie and the Big Red Comb

For us as children, every Saturday was our hair ritual day. We would wake up, clean the house, and start the practice. We would wash, dry, and straighten our hair. My mom or older sister would braid our hair. As a grown-up, it is my turn. This ritual continued, but it is I who would wash, condition, blow-dry, and braid my niece's hair. It is always a great bonding and learning time. There are special combs for combing and parting our hair.This story is about a little girl named Brittany and her auntie. Brittany knows that when Auntie walks in with her bag with the big red comb and supplies, it is time to do her hair. Brittany also knows that she will be counting, sorting, and making patterns with beads to go on her hair. Auntie believes that when she braids Brittany's hair in love, it will always come out in a beautiful style. It never comes out the same way twice. Not only is Auntie making her beautiful, but she is also teaching her some math skills.

-- Sharon Rogers