Haircuts by Appointment only

Growing up in a large family typically meant that you could expect to wear hand me downs and don't plan on left overs. My parents, who grew up during The Depression, came prepared to make ends meet, and certainly, when the circumstances necessitated it, the tough choices were made for balancing a family budget. Everyone had an equal part it making it all happen, and tips for economization of energy, time and money were always welcomed but reviewed by the finance committee. Well, my oldest sister thought that she'd make her contribution by testing her hand at cutting hair. Of course, my brothers and I needed hair cuts frequently enough that this cost savings proposal was accepted, without question, by the chairpersons of the finance committee. Now, in the words of Paul Harvey, "it's time for the rest of the story".

The barbershop quartet, my 3 brothers and I, generally had our appointment times reserved for Saturday nights, usually after the requisite baths. One by one we'd sit evermore "motionless", just like Samson after he had his hair cut off; and one by one we'd arise out of the ashes like Job and head to watch Saturday Night at the Movies. The ordeal of waiting just seemed so tedious compared to heading over to Gleason's or Bellevance's after school. However, this was the new mandate from above, and we were not likely to have our case heard by the "supreme" court of appeals. It was going to take drastic measures to undo this injustice, and my brother Chasmo was just the guy for the job. Mind you, there was no plan, just spontaneous behavior which was his specialty. After completing 3 of the 4, it was his turn. My sister, meanwhile, was fatigued too, so she wanted a break. Chasmo evidently felt compelled to speed this process along, so he took matters into his own hands. A young, impetuous boy should not have anything sharp in his hands, let alone a pair of hair clippers. You guessed it; the reverse Mohawk was born. He took the clippers right over top of his head and clear cut a trail about 2 inches wide from front to back. His first attempt at hair styling, and he was perfect, if you were enlisting as PFC CES. When my sister returned to discover the latest in haircut fashion, she realized that her job became a little easier. There was nothing else she could to do but to complete the buzz cut, which she did with the aplomb of the finest military barber.

As the years passed, my bothers and I grew our hair longer and longer, following the hair styles of the 70's. The haircuts were less frequent or non-existent, and now we call it hair styling instead of having a hair cut. We use styling gel instead of Score, Vitalis, or butch wax, and ironically, Chasmo has the fullest head of hair amongst the 4 boys. So perhaps there was something to be gained through this "shear" act of bravery, and most assuredly, his strength wasn't compromised at all like Samson's. Yes, his strength of character is second only to the kindness in his heart, and there is nothing short about that. Happy Birthday brother Chuck!