Beautiful People - Hair salon

The other day, I was in a Hair salon with my friend. While the salon had the same ambience - people all busy explaining what they wanted on their Hair/ Nails/ Face - the usual, somehow the place did not feel as peppy for a busy Hair salon. It had a little homely touch.

So amidst this, what I saw, was an old man, an elderly if you will - (probably in 70s) - working his way with a sweep & trash tray. It’s not new (anymore) to see such old people doing jobs in US - an odd one for that matter. But to see this old man in such a trendy place tending to fallen hair left me uncomfortable. Old age to me connotes retirement & relaxation. I wish that every old person gets to finally relax after a long life. And if one has to still continue to work for bills & not for joy, (sigh) what I can say!!!

I kept watching him - the old man.

He was working happily, cheerfully, talking to every person - chair to chair. The staff kept talking to him at every stop "Anthony, so what's new today". "Anthony, did you just change your hair style" . Sometimes pulling his leg "Are you going with a girlfriend tonight" etc. He seemed to enjoy each one of their company & was basking in that crisp morning work hour!  Was sportive in his responses.

I quickly learnt that few of them worked there for 20+ years, including Anthony. The salon was their second home. .

After sometime, he came by my chair. We started doing the small talk. He was pretty fit & looked 10 times more healthier & younger (with all his lovely spirit). We continued to talk, the small talk - and I asked him  "So how do you keep yourself so fit Sir"?

He points his finger up & said "He does it for me".

Aaah, what a typical gramps style response, I thought. Oceans apart, decades apart, cultures apart, it seems like all old people think alike! I love them.

Reminded me of my good ol' Grandpa, a piece of my heart. .

Anyway, just when I was enjoying this brush with beautiful person, one hair stylist goes "Anthony, what was your last birthday, 90 or 91?"

That's it .. my jaw dropped!!

First I thought this was one more prank that they were pulling on that old man. 

I asked him "Are you really 90 ? wrrreally"? N-i-n-e-t-y?

He smiled and said - " yes I am" , my mom passed away at 97 but my dad at 67. So you never know." Points his finger up again ..continues..but He is there. He will watch me"

I managed to utter:

"It’s so inspiring to watch people like you work at this age. I am very happy to meet you sir"

It seemed like a blessing to even see such people. 

Somehow meeting old people, especially like this person with full of spirit, instills the faith in Life, its longevity, the beauty - and doesn't feel old age always to be a baggage of worries/ health concerns. It neither is the end of the world. 

My heart was filled with joy

What an acquaintance, I thought !! I mean what are the chances of running into a 90 year working so blissfully, and of all places - in a Hair salon?

For once the words " it’s a pleasure meeting you" made complete sense. 

PS: Nope - I did not get my hair cut. Still managing the somewhat long tresses :)

Song of the day : Phoolon ke rang se ..