The photograph is old. But the condition is as current as Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s resignation.
As long as I can remember my mother has shown an inordinate concern for the condition of my hair. Usually, its length. To be fair, my father was usually the prime target.
So, when Darrel, Mom, and I got together a week ago to attend a funeral, I knew my head topping would come up at some point. It had been four months since I had it cut.
After the memorial service, we went to lunch at Lew's Coney Island -- one of our family's favorite neighborhood drive-ins. While we were sitting there waiting for our food, Mom kept looking at my hair. I knew what was coming.
"Who cuts your hair?"
Well, that was subtle. Not at all what I had in mind.
I ducked and dodged. "It has been so long since I had it cut, I can't remember who did it."
And then came the shiv. "I was just wondering. I thought it might be my hairdresser. It is cut just like mine."
My Mom. The Subtle Wit. Oscar Wilde could not have delivered a better quip.
This is good. My mother too never tired of commenting on my hair. It was the same when I was 16 as when I was 60. She always wanted it shorter.
ReplyDeleteOkay but with a dog from Lew's who cares about hair or even mom.
ReplyDeleteGlory in that mop top, you could be like Norm with skin where the hair should be.
ReplyDeleteOther than the 20-something face, I looked almost exactly like that when I was on the receiving end of Mom-wit.
ReplyDeleteI made the mistake of ordering a chili dog, rather than my favorite coney island. I need to return to Lew's for a reprise. And I wonder why I pack on pounds when I come north.
ReplyDelete20 something? You look like you were about 15, LOL you were adorable! You are lucky to still have your mom, and with the mental acuity to deliver "The Subtle Wit".
ReplyDeleteShe is a firecracker.
ReplyDeleteHOw COULD YOU think of moving away from that wit? Just last week while with John, I said, ""What happened to your hair?". It was sticking up all ways.........He said, "I had no hot water!" I didn't say another word..........Guess it's a Mom thing.........
ReplyDeleteIt must be. And, even though we sons grump, we are glad you care.
ReplyDeleteBe content it's only the hair. My mom, a fashionista, has always made comments about my nails, my makeup, my hair, my clothes, etc. She now has very limited eyesight, yet she has an amazing ability to spot my beauty flaws.
ReplyDeleteMy hair is about the only thing she ever mentions. I certainly have plenty of other potential targets.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you mentioned that about "sons", and we do care, a lot.
ReplyDeleteWith whatever issue it is. a mom will always be a mom, something my son hears from me, often.
I have to. She reads these comments. Besides, it has the advantage of being true.
ReplyDelete