I love you, Ben.
Here's just one reason why: Ben likes his hair long (no, that's not the reason, just context for this story, smarty pants). Like in this photo...
See? For a Cruze, he's pretty much a hippie. When it recently got out of control bushy I told him it was time for a trim. I met him in the bathroom with the clippers and proceeded to give him a reasonable cut...not too short, but off of his ears. He liked it. Then I took the guard off of the clippers to trim around his neck (see where this is going?). Then I noticed a group of stray long hairs over one ear. "Oh, let me just get these real quick..." BUZZzzz. Gasp of horror. Oh no, oh no, I forgot I took the guard off. In an attempt to take care of a few stray whisps I had sheared a 1x2 inch patch off the side of his head practically down to the scalp. I felt terrible. I had mutilated his hair. I grieved. Not because I care for his hairy look, but because I know he does and I robbed him of it. Straight away I dove into repeated sincere apologies and prepared for his inevitable tears of disappointment. But instead, the best part of Ben shone through. He didn't let a scowl cross his brow or a sour note enter his voice as he over and over assured me, "It's okay, Mom. It was just an accident." I babbled about the possible options (walk around with a bald patch until it grew in a bit better or shave his whole head super-close), Scott came on the scene and said he thought he could give Ben a close cut, but blend it in and not have to shave his whole head. Ben was optimistic and said that sounded good. Scott fixed my mistake, you could no longer notice the bald patch, and worked out an over all nice haircut. But, no bones about it, it was short. Really, really short. But not a word of bitterness, not a protruding lower lip to be found from our Ben. Although I know he would much preferred his usual shaggy do, he had nothing but good things to say about his new crew cut. "I really like it. Thanks, Dad. Don't worry, Mom. See? I think it looks great! I don't mind at all. In fact, I kind of like my hair short now." I love him because I know he was more worried about my feelings than he was about his hair.
He made this movie about himself. Check him out:
7 comments:
Awesome short video, ben! You should submit your next one to the SF Doc Fest so you can come out here and visit us like Uncle Brad.
Ben is W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L! and I love his sweet tenderness. EEE Grandma
I think ben is following in his uncle brad's footsteps! Awesome job ben. and, what a great boy! no surprise there
First: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that first picture of Ben with his shaggy hair. He is most handsome.
Second: I literally got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as I read about Ben's "caring" and "loving" attitude. So like Ben.
HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY, Ben. I loved your film! It was super!
AWWW He is super sweet. Maybe Eliza should hang out with him more and his sweetness will rub off on her?
Hope you had a great birthday Ben! I can't wait to see your new haircut.
happy birthday ben.
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