I got a hair cut about 10 days ago, but the stylist ignored what I asked for and free lanced all over my head. Cut too short, my naturally curly hair erupts into an afro at the least excuse. Humidity is a dandy excuse; when ISN”T it humid in Missouri? I’ve pretty much been wearing a hat ever since.
On my way home yesterday, I stopped at a little Chinese restaurant for some hot and sour soup (yum!). As I was waiting, I felt a little tug on the back of my jacket. I turned and the owner’s teeny daughter (maybe 3 years old) pointed at her foot. Her shoe was half on, and I understood I was expected to correct the problem. So I supported her with one hand and got the shoe on properly with the other. She beamed at me and got the other shoe. We repeated the process; all without a word being spoken (I don’t even know if she spoke English).
Then her big sister (maybe 5 years old) started talking to me. My hat intrigued them. I normally NEVER wear hats; the only ones I own have the Red Cross symbol on them. I had to explain what Red Cross does. But even without explanations, they knew I was ok, just because of the symbol. I felt like I was wearing a big white Stetson, the “Good Guy” hat. And maybe that’s why there was an extra fortune cookie in my take out bag, too!
Loretta Buehrle
Loretta Buehrle is an American Red Cross Volunteer with the St. Charles Service Center.