When I was four years old, I had long hair and owned hundreds of those little Goody barrettes that were so popular in the 80’s. Remember these?
One day, while my dad and I watched TV, I decided to put as many as possible in his hair. He’s bald on top with hair on the sides, and I was able to gather a few wispy hairs that still grew on top of his head too.
I have no idea how long we watched TV or hung out indoors, but at some point Dad decided to go outside and work on the gutters. Being the ultimate Daddy’s Girl and his little shadow, I was nearby when this well-dressed lady approached us from the driveway. She was in a business suit and looked very professional.
My dad was friendly but also busy, so he stayed on top of the ladder while she introduced herself as a census taker. While she went through the process of asking him all the nosy government questions I watched my father responding to her and scooping out leaves. I recall thinking to myself, “Does Daddy know that he still has my barrettes in his hair?” The thought was quickly dismissed because both adults acted very adult-like and no one ever acknowledged the hundreds of tiny ponytails all over his head. Clearly I was an excellent stylist.
Only later that day when Dad was using the restroom did he notice his colorful hairdo. I was very disappointed to have to take it down.
It’s one of my favorite memories, picturing my dad working way up high on his ladder with hundreds of barrettes in his hair and acting as if it was the most normal thing on earth.
