Kelley Irwin

One day last week, (Sep 2024), we took Dad for a haircut at an Old Fashion Barber Shop.

What a find this was! Miss Sandra, the barber, shared some history of the shop and barbers in general. We learned about barber and cosmetology certification. A barber can use a straight razor, and she did on the back of Dad’s neck. Miss Sandra has been a barber for 44 years and loves her job and her clients.

It has been 22 months since we received a formal medical diagnosis of dementia.

Conversation this day:

Dad – This looks right. (Seeing the old time barber chairs)

Mom – What would you like done?

Dad – Who is paying?

Mom – We’ll let Kelley pay today.

Dad – Okay, give me the works! (With a wink in my direction)

Dad took in the whole shop. He conversed with Miss Sandra. He told her his wife is always by his side. He checked out the progress in the mirror and smiled his approval when she was done. He enjoyed the hot towel on his neck.

I’m sure this brought back great memories for Dad. His grandfather was a barber and Dad got to hang out in the shop after school.

When we got in the car, he flipped down the visor and checked out his new haircut.

That’s my Dad.