About six weeks ago I was contemplating getting a haircut. I got three since the pandemic shut down barber shops and they re-opened. But then I got a call – it was March 11-- from my barber, Frank.
Pre-pandemic, actually well before it, Frank had sold his store but chose to stay around. He did not feel comfortable coming back when the shop re-opened. I had checked in with Frank’s son before I returned, part out of loyalty to the man who groomed me for several decades, and part out of concern for him. Thus I was glad to get Frank’s call and I delayed my plans to get groomed. Frank’s first day back, things just got too hectic and a visit to Frank’s former shot just was not in the cards. I checked in last Thursday but Frank took the day; I later learned he comes in five days but not Thursdays.
Friday morning I needed to stay put waiting for contractors dispatched by Con Ed to install remove readers for my gas and electric meters. I chose 8:00 a.m. til noon. The gas installer came a quarter hour past noon. The electric installer arrived even later. I took lunch and had to attend to matters at hand. Finally, I had to choose between possibly missing Gotham’s Happy Hour and getting a haircut. Perhaps disappointing others, I chose Frank. We caught up a bit. Got groomed nicely. If I do not darn a baseball cap on my next zoom, you’d view the reason. Got my usual. Long time in coming.
This song channels the moment.