Greetings — June 2013
This January I visited with Momma in North Carolina. One icy morning we drove to the Ponderosa for her perm and haircut, which is the same place she’s gone for 35 years. The owners, Vicki and Mrs. Roberta still work there. As an activity-junky my plan was to catch up on office paperwork while Mom’s perm processed, but my plan was foiled.
Once we got inside, patrons chatted and kids quietly played as staff cut, colored and styled hair. The mood was cheerful and each person was greeted with kindness. Between everyone in the Salon it was one sweet older lady that got my attention.
“Good morning,” she said. Taking tiny steps toward a row of hair dryers by me she grinned and continued, “I’m 93 and have an excuse to be slow.” Everyone laughed. I went back to my work. Once situated with the big doomed dryer whirling loud, warm heat around her head the older lady motioned towards me, “You’re new here.”
“Yes Ma’am.”
Where you from?”
“Los Angeles.” For a second she looked confused, pointed toward the dryer then glanced to her friend who simply repeated what I’d just said. It turned out I could hear her, but because of the hair dryer, she could not hear anything else. In pleasant detail she explained she’d hurt her hip, how proud she was of her three grown children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. With each new topic, I responded with a nod as she pulled me deeper into her stories.
Her friend nodded toward the 93-year old who was now tuckered out, then politely glanced at me, “She likes to visit.” Having forgotten my paperwork I said, “Me too.”
As Momma and I drove back home that chilly afternoon I felt happy. Being at the Ponderosa reminded me how important it is to “connect” and “to stay in the present moment.” I have a tendency; a bad habit really, of being busy just for busy-sake. What the heck is that all about? I know better than to work hard and not relax.
Thinking back I remembered how Vicki and Mrs. Roberta had always made everyone feel welcome. Not just with words or hugs, but with their sincere desire to lift others higher. I hadn’t seen Vicki since 1997 or Mrs. Roberta since 1978. But that day, among the drifting ice storms the three of us picked back up where we left off.
Looking back, I’m grateful I put my office paperwork away and enjoyed the kind older lady’s company. I took pleasure in our visit and was thrilled to see Mrs. Roberta laughing with others while Vicki and I caught up.
Today when I get overwhelmed with busy work or life's hard knocks; I intentionally do things that keep me in the present moment. I believe everyone has a desire to connect and while most of us want community, we accidentally push it away with busy work, when all we have to do is “let the connection happen.”
With Appreciation,
Eddie Conner
