Just over 10 years ago two events happened to me within a couple of days that led me to making a big change in my appearance.  On the last day of a visit to South Africa I was mugged in broad daylight in a main street of Durban and lucky to survive the stabbing.  The same day I learnt that my father aged 94 was dying (he died the next day).

For those of you with a religious bent you might see something religious in these events but as an atheist I don't.

However it made me realise that life is precious and that at 62 I should not put off doing things I had always wanted to do.  One of these was to shave my head - I had already had a beard for nearly 40 years.

On 9 August 2004 I finally took the razor to my head and have been shaved ever since.  At first my wife was a bit shocked but now wouldn't have me any other way.  No one  really seemed to care one way or the other.

In 2010 I discovered slybaldguys and have been a regular if not overly productive contributor to the site. I see I have made 492 posts and am determined to reach 500 by 9 August.  I have discovered a community of like minded gentlemen (and a few ladies) who are marvellously supportive for others considering shaving as well as being  informative and helpful.  I have communcated with quite a few and regard them as friends and am sorry that living in Australia I don't have the opportunity to meet them personally.  That would be great fun to compare stories.  Some of my 'originals' have stopped participating but there are always new members to follow in their journey.

Some have indulged my other fantasy of an ear piercing but at 72 that is getting more and more unlikely.  Tattoos are a definite no no.

Thanks to Tyler for creating this board.  Special mention to Sly Beard, Simply Red, Mike EP, Mr Jules, mrzed, Frintier Guy and Tom (he's 5 days older than me) for comminications over the years. 

I wish everyone a long sly life.

Roger

Great post!

SBG is a better site/community because of your presence and participation.

I am, likewise, appreciative of your friendship.

Congratulations, I enjoy your posts, thanks for all your help over my year of slyness.

You are a nice inspiration for this young buck (61).

You can always get the ear piercing when you are ready.  Or get a magnetic earring for the looks.  Goes well with a sly head.

Great to see you make it to 10 years and counting!   I always enjoy your comments. 

Thanks for being a big part of the forum!

Congrats on your soon-to-be decade of smoothness!

Thanks for sharing your story and advance congratulations on 10 years of sly!

Thanks everyone for comments.  I still enjoy shaving and contributing to the forum.
My 500th post!!

Roger