Norman Rockwell Haircut

(Grandpa Elven, Me, my Dad)

This picture is a work of art; it is an illustration of everyday American life. If Norman Rockwell had been alive, I'm sure he would have painted this exact scene. With one snap of the shutter it captured a broad spectrum of emotions: anticipation, optimism, excitement, shock, surprise, and victory. All of this in the confines of a simple haircut. My Grandma Doris took this picture in March of 1992.

I can still remember this day. It was a weeknight, and my Dad had just gotten off work. We had a meatloaf (yes, I told you I remembered) dinner at home, and then we drove up to my Grandparent's house to get my hair cut. My Dad had been telling me for a while that I should go with a shorter hairstyle, under the guise that it would be cooler in Summer heat. If you are familiar with March in Aberdeen, Washington you know that Summer is right around the corner in late July. Being 8 years old at the time, I was easy to convince.

My Grandma Doris usually cut my hair, but my Grandpa Elven specialized in the military cuts. This night would be my first haircut from my Grandpa. My Grandpa's slogan was "It isn't a good haircut, unless you lose a pint of blood." I knew my Grandpa was joking, but there was always a seed of doubt in the back of my mind. Grandpa used to cut my Dad's and his three brothers' hair when they were young, and now that I think back on it, this is probably the first time in 20 years that he had manned the clippers. This explains the expression of jubilee and the triumphant stance he exhibits, he too was surprised that I was alive and that the haircut was a success.

I, myself, am experiencing major heart failure as I see my new haircut for the first time. My Dad decides to just smile as big as he can and throw in a few fake laughs to try and convince me, by social proof, that the haircut is perfect. It worked--I loved the haircut and sported the style for many years to come.

Well done Grandma.