I’ve been a little overwhelmed here lately, which is part of the reason it’s been so tumbleweedy in these parts. Overwhelmed, and also quite a bit sick of myself. Aren’t all of you sick of myself, too? I certainly wouldn’t blame you. Nevertheless, I’m pushing past it.
And so: A story.
Ruby had her first hair cut on Friday the 13th. I don’t know what the big deal is with that date; I always have such great Friday the 13ths. Sure, this one was a particularly bad one if you were Tim Russert. But lucky for me, I wasn’t and I’m not and so my Friday the 13th, 2008 was lovelier than any other day of the week leading up to it.
So there we were in the hair salon where Amber, my stylist, sat Ruby atop two stacked bundles of towels and tipped her head back into the u-shaped lip of the sink. Ruby rolled with it like an old pro, not saying a word—just giving into it—while Amber began to wet and then wash her hair, massaging first the shampoo and then conditioner into her scalp. I think this kid will be quite at home in the salons of the world.
I stood to the side while Amber used her knuckles to knead Ruby’s head. Her curls—stretched long and drenched in bubbles—spiraled with the running water and stuck to the sides of the sink bowl, fanning out behind her in rippling waves. Each blink of her eyelids slowed until she was nearly catatonic. From my hovering view, Ruby looked as though her eyes were closed but with her head tilted slightly to the right, she was peering down her nose, watching everything in the mirrored wall across the room.
She was quiet except for when I moved to kiss her and blocked her line of sight. She scolded me and waved me away with a fling of her right arm and returned to staring at herself, taking big, silent breaths, her nostrils flaring almost imperceptibly. Then, without moving her eyes from herself, she exhaled to the rhythm of Amber’s handiwork and said, “I’m beaUUUtiful, Mama.” The nearly-whispered words floated on her sigh in such a delicate way as to make me wonder if they’d actually been spoken. But they had been. And they captured perfectly the ecstasy I feel when I stare at her lovely face.
“That’s right, baby,” I said. “You are beautiful. And don’t you ever let anyone tell you otherwise.”
16 responses so far ↓
1 san // Jun 19, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Ah, what a beautiful moment!
2 she's a rebel // Jun 19, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I actually felt a physical tug on my heart when I read this. What a gift you have.
3 Jenn @ Juggling Life // Jun 19, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I do believe she’s discovered the power of a great hairdresser.
4 bonzize // Jun 19, 2008 at 4:30 pm
You too, Mama.
xoxo
5 Martha // Jun 19, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Ruby darling: you only discovered what the rest of us have known since you were a wee babe.
You are indeed beautiful. Molto bella.
6 dgn // Jun 20, 2008 at 5:02 am
I hope she always holds that thought close.
7 Yiftach // Jun 20, 2008 at 8:50 am
Thanks, Aaryn. Thanks a lot.
For making a grown man weep in the middle of his workday.
Someday I’ll return the favor
8 Mrs. G. // Jun 20, 2008 at 5:46 pm
The power of HAIR-Ruby and I already have everything in common.
9 kristin // Jun 20, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Aaryn
Stacy tells me you are in birthday party land this weekend. That makes Ruby, Ollie, and my daughter Carmen. Heres wishing Ruby a BEAUTIFUL day….and many more to come.
See you soon!
10 Manager Mom // Jun 21, 2008 at 2:18 am
I call my hairdresser the Hair Whisperer. He is ridiculoulsy expensive so we are still Supercuts-ing The Girl, but I am already planning a visit to his salon as part of her back-to-school treats.
11 Mary // Jun 21, 2008 at 6:55 am
Oh, Ruby, you’re darling. AND beautiful. And is it this weekend or one soon that’s her birthday? (if I’m remembering correctly from your blog …) Happy birthday, Ruby!
And to your mama, I laughed and laughed when I read your insomnia story. I will most definitely give that handy little trick a shot.
12 Amyesq // Jun 21, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Why yes, yes she is.
13 San Diego Momma // Jun 22, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I think Amber works right by me, right? (OB?)
If she has this effect on the kids, I’m so taking my girls (can I leave them there?)
14 Cora D // Jun 23, 2008 at 10:33 am
No, it is never to early for self-esteem. Nice work, Mamma.
15 CrysH // Jun 26, 2008 at 11:09 am
I got misty-eyed.
16 Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy // Jun 27, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Yes, Ruby. Please listen to your mom and don’t let anything anyone else says take that away from you. You are beautiful!
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