Thursday, July 10, 2008

It's easy when you smile...

"Like twins," Priscilla had said. "I want my hair cut just like Mary's." My kids were getting shaggy and so I drove them to the salon where each, in turn, were shorned by carefully coiffed stylists in matching black aprons. I made the rounds from one chair to the next, helping as needed and offering encouragment, "Hold still sweetheart. Look down at your toes. Great job, that looks nice. You're almost finished." Priscilla stayed still as a stone, her head bent forward obediently. "How's it going?" I inquired, crouching down on one knee to find her face. Upon seeing a devastated expression, my stomach immediately dropped and I reached for her trembling hands. "Oh honey, its ok! It'll grow back!" Giant tears welled, then fell down her cheeks off her chin and onto the cape protecting her clothing from the locks she was quietly mourning. She wasn't pouting, wasn't whining, wasn't angry or resentful, just sad - pure and simple, and it broke my heart. Hours later she finally rallied, noting her resemblance to Halley Mills in the orginal version of Parent Trap. "Julie Andrews!" said my husband, "from 'Sound of Music;' that's who you look like." And she brightened her dim demeanor using little more than sheer willpower and a timid smile. "There's my girl," I beamed. I adore her.

2 comments:

Kris Livovich said...

Oh those haircuts! I've even known grown women who cry at a strange cut. Myself included, of course! She looks terribly cute, though. That smile could make any haircut look sweet.

Molly Sabourin said...

Hi Kris!

I've been thinking about your little family. It's been too long since our park excursion. Let's plan another play date. O.K, so the funny thing about the haircut fiasco was that the stylist offered all the kids little dum-dum suckers but told Priscilla that for her that had a special treat. She then went into the back room and emerged with a small basket of these gigantic Tootsie Pops they reserve, apparently, for the specific occasion of a child super sad about their new "look". I, too, have had many many horrendous hair adventures!