B and A Barbershop

Had occasion to meet an interesting man at the bowling party on Sunday. He is a friend of Andrew's and they are the same age at 40.  Previously he and I had brief hellos at the barbershop he and my son frequent but not much more. 

This shop is a place where African American men can get their hair properly serviced.  Tools are different and the cuts take a long time due to the precision of the talented barbers.  These guys have fancy automotive tool chests for their equipment.  The tools sparkle and allow for close cuts and trims.  I take Eli there for his trims and wait for his dad to come in after his workday is done.  The cuts are perfect in design and execution.  Nothing is out of place and these guys look spectacular when they get up from the chair.  Its nothing like the 15 minute clip job I get from one of the strip mall chop shops.  This is a domain for men and the their boys that are learning to be men.  No girly magazines like the shops of my youth only real conversation between guys with their sons looking on.  There is lots of eyeball to eyeball conversation about a variety of topics.  All in good taste, but little is off limits. The participants are engaged with each other.  I am greeted with politeness and a smile probably because they are fond of my son.   At times in your life, it is important to just shut up and listen.  It's not all about you. The environment you are in is not yours.

After this lengthy digression let me get back to my new acquaintance. Omar is a religious man but does not wear it on his sleeve.  He and my son and others including one of the barbers Scott attend the same Christian church on Sundays and have a mens group on Friday nights.  Since becoming close to these guys, Andrew is happier and more at ease than I have seen him in some time.  Needless to say his parents are happy about it.  Omar and I had a heady chat about important topics at our meeting including the reluctance of his community members to get the covid vaccine.  Plain and simple, trust in the government or government programs is hard to find given the lies they have been fed over hundreds of years.  We also discussed truthful conversations and if there is a path to move forward. His children, my grandchildren give me hope for the future.  My generation failed on all their promises and accomplished little besides growing a few non tax paying billionaires.

Raining again today in Berkley and I can hear the garbage trucks approaching amidst the sound of the drops on the balcony railings.  Soon moms will be covering their little children with umbrellas heading to Rogers Elementary down the street wishing them a happy day.

all for now

stay safe