The Holy No

Tomorrow I am going to Paris to see a friend I have not seen since I was pregnant with Chelsea.

Laura was one of my closest friends in the monastery. Laura left around the time that I did-

she married, had children, a career, a beautiful life… and tomorrow we will remember and share

our stories of then, in between and now. I can hardly wait to see her. 

Here is a story I posted about Laura last year:

 

 

When I lived in a monastery, the Abbot asked who knew how to cut hair? I raised my hand, I had never cut anyone's hair in my life but being 19, in a monastery, I had to claim amusement where I could.

But before I started my new job as the hairdresser, my friend Laura asked if she could cut Sweet Father Dominique's hair, he was the first guinea pig.

She asked him what type of haircut he wanted, he said a light trim. Slowly, with a gleam in her eye, she buzzed every single hair off his head. Every single hair. He smiled.

Then with the same look in her eye, she asked if she could trim his beard? He said yes. She shaved it off- his beautiful salt and pepper beard, gone! I was aghast, how could she. Shyly Father Dominique asked if she was having fun? Laura giggled, "Yes indeed." I did not understand Laura's humor nor Father Dominique's calmness.

Then she asked him if she could trim his eyebrows! I could not believe my ears I shook my head no. But he agreed, she shaved them too. Father Dominique looked stark naked.

Father Dominique looked in the mirror, then he looked at Laura holding the clippers. He smiled, stood up, shook the hair off, and said, "I need to go now, for I am certain you will ask me to trim my eyelashes, and I fear I would agree."

Sometimes, the holiest thing we can say is no.



Comments

8 responses to “The Holy No”

  1. pc Brown

    This recollection made my day! What a dear sweet man to allow such a thing with such humour and grace. And yes, I can see exactly why a reunion with such a friend will be so fun! Enjoy your time together!

  2. I had forgotten this story! What a hoot 😀
    The Father was more than a good sport. I always think of those in monasteries as being quiet and serious. Thank you for re-sharing this, Corey; it made my day!
    Safe travels as you go to visit your friend, Laura. Enjoy your time together.

  3. Diogenes

    How wonderful that you two will reconnect!! So much to share. Hope we can see some pics. 😉

  4. I too had forgotten this story. It made me laugh out loud. What a sweet man. Tomorrow you get to spend a day with your friend who shared such a special time in your life! What wonderful memories you both must have! Tomorrow will be a special day. Enjoy! xo

  5. feathercd@comcast.net

    Enjoy your day. What a fun memory to have. Going to bed with a smile.

  6. Sharon Crigger-Stokan

    What a delightful story! A memory to put a smile on your face and ours, too! Love the visual it painted, too!

  7. frieda borowicz

    Marc and I both just loved this story!! Have a wonderful reunion with your sweet friend!!

  8. charland

    Hide your clippers, shavers, scissors and perhaps the knives. And glory in her visit.

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