A David Story

Grandson David was with John and me quite often when he was young. I realize now that he was keenly observant from the beginning. The first time I really noticed was when we three got out of the car and started walking toward our destination. David was behind me, and I felt a tug on the hem of my top. He knew I often straightened my clothes, and he must have noticed the hem was hiked up at a funny angle, probably because he was looking at it at eye level. Without saying a word, he made me more presentable.

A few days ago we were having lunch in a restaurant. When it was time to go, he pointed out that I had a bit of food on my face. Using him as a mirror, I asked, “Is it here?” He shook his head and directed my finger verbally. I couldn’t feel it. Whatever it was, I didn’t remove it, and we went on with the day. Hours later, I was in front of a real mirror and saw a dark spot on my face. That was what David had noticed. Then I remembered what had happened. That morning I cut myself shaving!! You can laugh at that.

Years ago I chatted with Eileen regularly. Luckily I don’t remember her last name. She had a small mole on her face that hosted one long hair. Though I tried as hard as I could, I couldn’t keep my eyes from that one hair. She had plenty of hair on the top of her head, but without fail, I zeroed in on that one rogue hair. Jerking my eyes upward, I looked Eileen in the eye and silently vowed that I would never let that happen to me.

Years went by, and one day I noticed I had a little bump on my face. Yes! There was a hair springing out of it! Aaaauuuuggggghhhhh! Forty years later I had turned into Eileen! There was no way I would wait to see if people focused on my little hair. It has been removed on a daily basis ever since.

P.S. Thank you, David, for still trying to keep me presentable.