MOMENTS

Living in a large family I understood that certain things were luxuries. When I was quite young I asked Santa Claus for a pair of second hand skates, which I received. But it was not just brand new toys that were rarities, trips to beauty salons were unheard of. Oh my, that truly would have been a luxury.

Our father soon took ownership of the hair cutting razors, combs and scissors. The boys usually received variations on a crew cut. The girls either got a bob or a pixie cut.

Before school started I did not care how my hair looked. I wanted to play and learn how to keep up with my siblings.

As I began school I felt noticed, for myself, away from my family. More than once ,though, I was mistaken for a boy and I did not like that.

I tried to appeal to my mother and she shushed me, telling me not to worry. She advised me that it probably wouldn’t happen again. I was a well behaved little girl and did not like to complain about silly things so I kept quiet and looked for my baby sister so i could tell her about it and she could giggle for me to cheer me up..

Mom was wise and, when she had the luxury of time, she would pull me aside and put curlers in my hair. The first time we sat down I sat very still. Mom occasionally would leave to tend to a baby or break up a fight between my brothers. Then she would return to me to finish the hair. During those evenings I also felt like I could ask her any question, and I loved those talks.

Kristin is four years older so she was sometimes assigned the task of curling my hair. Kristin was becoming so much older and wiser than me and she had many friends to play with, so I treasured the conversations with her. I tried to stay still as she gave me much advice about how to be a proper young lady.

Duree is fifteen years older than I am, and left home before I had started school. I thought she was so sophisticated. One evening Duree came over and after dinner she spent much time putting pin curls in my hair. As she carefully placed the many bobby pins in my hair she told me stories of her married life. Mom would bring Duree coffee and after Mom left Duree would sneak a few puffs of her cigarette. I felt honoured to be a witness to her secret habit.

Beauty salons were a luxury for many people. But in our family, I loved the luxury of special visiting time with a sister or my mom. The gift of time was memorable.

February 9th 1964

We were living in Port Alberni. This evening was different. The house was quiet. Lloyd was away in the Navy. Duree had her own family. Bill and Joe were playing outside. I think Pat very possibly sneaked outside. Tony was in bed, listening to Kristin read. Katy was asleep and Naomi had not yet arrived. Dad was off on the boat. Mom and I were on our own.

Tonight Mom would give me a fancy home permanent. She placed the supplies on the table.

“Sit still or we will never be done.”

“I am trying, really I am. But I have to keep watching the clock. I have to make sure I call everyone when it’s time.”

I looked at the clock. I looked outside. A curler dropped.

The hands on the clock moved ever so slowly. I was so proud of know how to tell time, but, now worried .

“Mom, am I right, it says ten to eight right? “

“Yes, sit still”

I sat still. Mom did not say a word as she added the curlers. I was quiet. I was so excited.

Finally, “Mom, it is almost eight right?

Mom sighed and said’, “yes, go” .

“Joe Bill Kristin Pat Tony, come on. Get in here. It is almost time” I yelled as loud as my little voice would let me.

Suddenly the living room was filled with noisy children and one crying baby.

Joe stood up and sternly said to all of us: “Sh Sh Sh.” He appeared so serious, no one dared argue.

“Ladies and Gentlemen. It’s the Ed Sullivan Show.”

I sat still. Mom quietly added curlers to my hair.

I listened to Ed Sullivan talk. Oh he talked for a long time.

We waited and waited.

At last.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, The Beatles.”

They were singing just to me. They sang five songs. Wow. Our television set had never looked and sounded so magical to me. I wanted to scream along with the fans but I didn’t want to miss anything. I sat still.

At the end of the show my hair was all curled up and Mom was making herself some tea.

I breathed deeply. I knew I would forever remember this night.

link to youtube for 🙂

 

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I Want To Hold Your Hand (Live) – The Beatles on Ed Sullivan Show