As families, we all know how critical it is to savor the moment and embrace the time we have together. Life in itself is a fleeting moment that often passes us by. However, there are the trivial things in life we overlook that can sometimes bring great memories. It is a fact that we can’t control the speed of life, however can learn take each moment with more grace.
Did you ever think your last haircut would be your last? Well, that day it was for my father. He had not gotten a haircut in months by virtue of being too ill to do the most basic things in life. He was home that day and so was I. I was determined to give him a day that was good for him and nobody else. It was cold out that day, but nothing was going to stop us from doing what was good for him. I mean nothing!

He inched his way inside the car and we drove off. First stop was to New Way Barbershop in near his home….the guy needed a haircut and to look and perhaps feel like himself for a short bit……so we let Dominic take a stab at cleaning up all that white hair which had once been black. The haircut was complete and without him looking I paid for the haircut that day. His black hair had vanished, but even in a sick state this white-haired man looked handsome and he cracked a small smile. We were now off to get something to eat followed by a stop at the park.

He inched his way out of the car……walked a few steps in Wescott park and really could not walk further. We talked for a short while……but I could tell talking was far too much energy for him….he just wanted to relax and look up in the sky…..so he did…..and I watched….and could only wonder what was going on in his mind.

Yep….”he” was my father and he knew he knew death was imminent……..but, he felt good enough that day to get a fresh haircut and lunch with his son. Yeah…I write about him a ton…and it is a form of therapy. If you had a dad like mine you might write a ton. I became baffled by how his thoughts were confined to him most of the time and he left little understanding of what he may be thinking that day or other days. However, when dad spoke he meant whatever he said…..need I say more. He told me he loved me many times as a kid and adult…..he meant it…that is for sure.

Funny how taking him for his last haircut is one of my fondness memories of my father. I think it is because it was the last one.The other haircuts we may have all taken for granted.