Eight Words

As I’ve lost weight, people often say wonderful things to me, things I will never forget. Some are witty, some are moving, and some are absolutely charming. Also, I recently had about 20 inches of my hair cut off, feeling it was time for a change. It has been a very good change. 

Two weeks ago, a man said something to me I will never, never forget. First a bit about the man, Joe I’ll call him. 

I knew Joe some years ago when I worked at a Church. Joe was the music director. Most of the time, he inhabited another world altogether. He connected with the ‘real’ world only tangentially, and then, only transiently. I knew Joe for about three years before he stopped looking puzzled every time I greeted him, as though wondering if we’d met before, and if so, when and where. Joe lives in music. 

I am fond of Joe, and I admire his talent tremendously. He’s an incredibly gifted man. Over the years, since I left that job, it has been my good fortune to see Joe and his wife from time to time at concerts and recitals. And he has finally come to recognize me on sight, which is delightful! 

Recently, we were at a fantastic piano recital, and we usually see Joe at those. During the intermission we were walking in the lobby and there was Joe. Joe looked at me, stopped in his tracks, and said eight words that are indelibly stamped in my mind: “You’ve lost weight and I like your hairstyle.” And then he walked on. It was classic! 

Thank you, Joe. You made my whole week!