We share a history, Lorna and I.
Can you imagine washing and blow-drying a client’s hair when that person is in pain from head to toe? When you’re trying to cut her hair but she can barely move her neck? When that person can’t sit for longer than a few minutes at a time?
A hairdresser could go broke with clients like me. So my appointments are always at her quiet times. And I sometimes bring her a small gift to show my appreciation.
This time, it was a copy of my new book.
~~
As Lorna tended to my hair, I asked if she wanted me to read a chapter of the book.
“This chapter is about you,” I said, smiling at her in the mirror. “That okay?”
“Of course!” she said.
But part-way through, Lorna turned away.
I felt awful.
“I’m so sorry, Lorna,” I said, closing the book. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“No, no!” She replied, wiping her eyes. “Keep reading! Please!”
It was an order, not a suggestion.
~~
Lorna knows our back-stories. Some of her clients are stars — in business, the professions, film, TV and music. Most aren’t. Lorna remains humble, respectful to us all.
~~
“Sure you want me to keep reading?” I asked.
“Keep reading!” she said.
So I read and Lorna quietly cried.
When the chapter ended, Lorna was smiling – a weepy but radiant smile. I smiled back at her face in the mirror, weepy too.
“I never expected anyone to put me in a book,” she said, shaking her head at the wonder of it.
Bless you, dear Lorna.
~~
Cynthia Reyes 
How appropriate in view of our exchange on FND! Lovely.
Yes! Wrote it last week, but reading your blog post inspired me to hit “publish”! Thank you for that.
🙂
Very touching Cynthia. You bring grace to the pages of your life. 🙂
“You bring grace to the pages of your life” – how absolutely lovely, Brad. Thank you.
You are most welcome Cynthia. I feel the grace in you and your words. It’s a blessing to many. Thank you too! 🙂
Looking good is important, it shows self respect and looking good when feeling miserable is even more important!! How wonderful of you to appreciate her work and friendship!! xo Johanna
I really do, Johanna. thanks for this great reply.
How wonderful that you blessed Lorna with this special gift, Cynthia. Beautiful story.
Thank you, Jill.
An unsung hero whose song has been transcribed! Lovely!
Exactly. You said it so well.
Just reading this made me tear up too.
I just reread it and teared up too. I was there recently and remembered how kind she was at some of my very bad times. A lovely person.
Made me tear up, too.
Oh, dear, I think we’re all tearing up!
Lorna has blessed you with her care and attention, and you have recognized her loving spirit and blessed her in turn with a passage in your book, something she would not have expected from anyone. This is a beautiful post, Cynthia!
Well said, Lavinia. Thank you very much.
Cynthia, It is so very special that you recognized Lorna. I have been going to the same stylist for over 30 years and she is my friend and my psychiatrist. I don’t know what I would do without her.
I like the way you say that — “friend and pscyhiatrist’. I understand. Thanks for the comment, Bernadette.
Cynthia, my eyes teared up just reading this post. What a precious moment. I enjoyed the chapter about Lorna–what a wonderful way to gift and bless this woman of thoughtfulness and prayer.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Wendy, I knew you would remember Lorna. Her life has not been easy, but she has such strong faith.
A difficult life chisels a strong faith.
Beautifully said.
That is perfect. I am weepy now!
Oh dear. I’ve made you and everyone else weepy too!
We are all crying by now! I look forward to reading about Lorna. She never knew she touched your life so.
You’re so right. She really didn’t. And I clearly underestimated the impact it would have on her. But a good underestimation to be guilty of, methinks.
This really touches my heart! God Bless you!
God bless you too, Theresa.
I remember reading about Lorna and her prayers and it’s wonderful that you could return that thoughtfulness by writing about her in the way you do.
Thank you, Andrea. She’s one of the nicest, most principled persons I know.
This is just lovely, Cynthia xxx
Thank you, Dianne.
God Bless Lorna! I look forward to reading about her.
Well said. God bless her.
I’ve read that chapter, and it is really lovely. Wonderfully warm.
Lorna is a lovely person, Diane. Thank you. She knew I’d be writing about her and gave me the full go-ahead, but it was only after I read it to her that I realized: she was surprised that I actually went ahead and did so.
Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
Sweet, in terms of usage by those of us over 50, and I would have cried as well.
Now you have made me teary .. What a treasure you are dear Cynthia! Hugs
What a beautiful tribute to Lorna!! And a gentle reminder to us all not to take even the simplest of tasks for granted for they could forever change in the blink of an eye!
So true, Tina. Thanks for this lovely reply.
Most of us crave recognition, few of us get it – including many who deserve it most.