…Random thoughts while wondering why the driver’s license bureau camera inadvertently bleached out the color of my hair in my new photo. It says right there on my card…BROWN HAIR! Alas, the photo contradicts what the state government has officially declared.
One of the best things about growing older is how the list of famous men with gray hair lengthens by the day. You know the list – George Clooney. Mark Harmon. Richard Gere. Anderson Cooper. Brad Pitt.
Brad Pitt? Really? What an unexpected treat! Consider Brad’s list of accomplishments: 1) recognized hunk by TMZ, 2) suitor to Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, 3) millionaire movie star, 4) YOUNGER THAN ME…
In fact, of my short but telling list, only Mark Harmon (58) and Richard Gere (60) clock in older than my own 53. CNN’s Cooper is 42, Pitt turns 46 in just eight days and Clooney is only 48!
All have chosen to swallow their pride and accept the inevitable when it comes to hair color. And yet, among the avalanche of physical self-help products we men must now endure on TV (who knew I’d actually LONG for the days when I complained about feminine ads that TODAY are relegated to print ads in women’s magazines…), Just For Men insists upon casting doubt on my decision to leave my graying mane alone.
I really DO want to believe women when they smile politely and repeat their mantra that “men look so much better with salt and pepper hair.”
And…” 53 really IS the new 43.” Really. Honest.
I’m reminded of a high school basketball game I was officiating last year. Overheard afterwards were the two losing coaches wondering aloud why the old, gray-haired ref (me) called so many fouls. I knew they were talking about me because my two partners were both bald. Geesh!
And yet, I admit I take comfort every time I spy another man in public who has chosen to dye his gray hair away. Shoe polish always seems to be the word association that comes to mind first.
We’re not looking for sympathy, mind you, just a little understanding for graying men everywhere. With six-pack abs, the ability to look down and see our belt buckle or to read small print without the aid of magnification all past memories (I suspect six-pack abs are a medical anomaly), you can’t blame us for wanting to hang onto the hair color God gave us.
…until He decides to take away the hair too.
Thanks for reading!
Bill
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