I will start with...my mom was possibly the smartest woman I knew. She was a secretary, then a teacher, then the receptionist/bookeeper in my salons. She didn't want me to got to hairschool because she thought I would miss out on the socialization that came with going to college. She did agree to let me go, and recently told me that one of her proudest moments was when she saw me win the first place prize in a hair competition in hairschool. Out of all the things she could have picked - that is what made her the proudest.
Although my mom really didn't want me to be a hairdresser, she and my father invested in my salons from the beginning. From Powellton Village - when she and my father had to schlep down there from Plymouth Meeting in the middle of the night because the salon's alarm went off and the alarm company couldn't contact me. To the Manayunk salon - where she was sequestered to the 4th floor making sure every penny was accounted for. She always double-checked with the calculator after she added numbers in her head. She was at every City of Hope event tending to the money and also took tickets for our Black & White Ball.
She loved being behind the desk because she loved our clients that walked into our doors. I remember having to pull my clients away from her because of some in-depth conversation she was having with someone she became friends with. She ran a tighter ship than I do and although she taught me so much about my business, I wish I had listened to her more when I had the chance.
She was my biggest fan and everyone I met at her development in Florida greeted me with, "So, you're Wendy the hairdresser". When my parents were in Philly recently, they got the chance to see me on stage for Aquage. I was ding an updo on my niece's hair. I looked out in the audience and saw her eyes riveted on my niece and I. Pure joy and so proud. That was the only time she saw me on stage and I am so thankful she was there that day.
Both my parents taught me to work hard, love what you do, and be the best at it. My mother taught me strength and perseverance. She guided me, educated me, and cheered me along the way. And because of what she taught me I was able to pass that wisdom along to many young stylists willing to listen and learn.
Some of the most poignant posts that people wrote about her on my Facebook wall were from our stylists who worked at Ground Zero when she did. I read and re-read cards that were sent from my clients who were affected by her being. One of my favorite cards said its amazing how one single life can change many.
So, here's to you Ruthie. I hope that you are in a safe place with love surrounding you. Thanks for being a part of so many lives - especially mine. Thanks for teaching me life's lessons, encouraging me to be the best I could be, showing me strength, and loving me unconditionally.
I love you mom.
May 1, 1936 - Aug 5, 2011
