When my father moved to Saint Petersburg, one of the first places I took him was Billy’s Corner Barbershop. I’ve been going to Billy for haircuts since shortly after he opened. It’s a traditional barbershop where Billy and his crew–Danielle, Omar, and Billy Junior–make you feel welcome the minute you come in. You get a great cut, a little conversation, and you leave looking and feeling better than when you arrived. I knew Dad would love the place and people. Danielle is a Navy veteran and Dad loved her. Sitting in her chair and swapping Navy stories was a treat that he looked forward to days in advance. I looked forward to it, too, because it made me happy to see him happy.
After Dad died in February, I notified family first, but then I went to Billy’s. I didn’t want to tell them over the phone. Danielle asked for a picture for her Navy wall. It took me a while to remember to bring it in, but on my previous visit, I gave her the one at the top of this post. It’s one of my favorite recent photos, from Dad’s 82nd birthday dinner. It was one of his happiest moments.
I went for a haircut yesterday and she pointed out where she’d put it. Honestly, I’d forgotten about it. I wasn’t prepared to see him smiling down at me. It hit me hard, a mixture of grief and joy. He’s gone, but he’ll always be a part of that barbershop, a permanent member of a community that means so much to me.
Semantics & So On 