Honey Made My Hair Beautiful

As a child, being African American, and having long beautiful yet thick and wavy hair, sometimes, my Mom didn't know what to do with it.

When she spoke to one of her friends about her hair and how it was so long and straight, her friend told her that her mother pressed it. Some of you are thinking, what is pressed hair? Well let me tell you that pressing your hair is done with a hot comb (you know the one Madame CJ Walker created?)

 and it's HOT!

I was always scared of the comb because if you jump of squirm around, it could burn you! So, I tried to sit still...as best as I could lol But the end result was worth it. My hair was so smooth and beautiful and I was in love with it!

                                                                   High School 2004

Being in the beauty shop was an experience for me.

I saw so many women get their hair done and I learned a lot spiritually.

My beautician was known as Honey, by many, I believe it was because of her sweetness towards everyone.

I remember when I used to come into her beauty shop and sit in her chair. She always had a great presence. She was always smiling and playing gospel music in the background. Her demeanor was beyond precious and I never heard her speak negatively. 

I loved the fact that she took the time with my hair, because I have a lot, but I also loved how she was always pleasant and kind.

When she was done with my hair, I would wait on my parents to pick me up and I would watch her closely. If she didn't have a client after me, she would go to her bible and read it.

As a child, I was involved in the church and knew what the bible was but I didn't read it like she did.

For me, watching her read it was inspiring. 

Ms. Honey made me see that as a Christian we have time for God no matter what time of the day it is, or how busy we are. We can take time out for prayer or even read a few verses of a scripture.

I really admired her strength with her views as a Christian woman and being a mother.

I really looked up to Ms. Honey, and after I turned 18 and went off to school, she did my hair before I left,one last time, and told me that she was so proud of me and that she wished me the best. I came back home to see her one day and it was a joyous occasion. Just to see her smile and to tell her how school was, I knew she was proud. 

I remember the last time ran into Ms. Honey, about a year ago.  I saw one of her daughters. She told me that Ms. Honey was in the store and I was too excited. I ran over to see her, and my eyes watered. I didn't like to see her in the state that she was in and she told me not to cry and said "it's okay".

My last memory of Ms. Honey was just like the first time.

On Facebook the other day one of Ms. Honey's daughters posted that she was in a better place.  I couldn't believe it. I was saddened. But, I am happy that she isn't suffering anymore. God is taking care of her better than anyone could.

I will be going to her homecoming this weekend, with sadness and joy in my heart because she lived a good life and she was a sweet, humble, and wonderful woman. 

I will always remember nothing but great memories of her and I know her spirit will live on.

Ms. Honey, thank you for doing my hair as a child until an adult.

You really inspired me to be better. We need more women like you and I thank you for your talent and your strong belief in God. I know he is taking good care of you.

You will be missed, not only by your family or friends, but by your hair pressing children.

We love you Honey, always and forever and I know you're styling angels and smiling down on us.