To curl or not to curl? That is the question.

(Remember the classic Abbott & Costello comedy skit, "Who's on First?".  I lived my own version of that this week.)

Mom was excited about her upcoming visit to Oklahoma to visit with my Sister, so we made arrangements for some "extras" at the Beauty Shop so she'd look her best during her visit.  She wanted her hair cut.  She also wanted it permed, then styled. She told me so.

Fast-forward to three days later. . . As we were driving to the Beauty Shop, Mom said she didn't want her hair cut, and seemed surprised I had ever had such a thought...We arrived at the shop and talked to the sweet woman who does her hair each week.  "These are the plans", I told the beautician, "forget the haircut and just do the perm, then style as usual".  Mom nodded in agreement.  As I walked across the room to wait, the stylist called to me, "She doesn't want a perm".  Really?

I talked with Mom again, "I thought you wanted to get a perm, Mom," I said.

"No, I don't want a perm".

"Well, do you want your hair cut?", I asked again.

"A little.  A little across the bottom", she motioned.

"And you're sure you don't want the perm?

"No, I know I won't like it, so I don't want a perm, but you want me to get a perm".

"No, Mom, it's totally up to you.  If you want a perm, you get a perm.  If you don't want a perm, then you don't have to get one.  You decide."

She decided on no perm, but to have a tiny bit cut from the length of her hair, then her usual wash, set, and comb-out.  An hour later she looked great and we were on our way home.

We made the drive to Oklahoma on Friday.  She was delighted to see my Sister and begin her visit.  The next evening our entire family gathered for a family birthday party.  "Oh, Grandma", my oldest daughter said, "Your hair looks so nice".

"It would have looked even better if your Mom had let me get a perm", she replied.

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My Sister tells me that Mom is doing great and they are having a wonderful time.