One Eye Forward

When I was 21, I worked retail in Bellevue Washington. I think of those years as my "fashion-y" era. My undone look was still in designer threads, my hair was streaked with highlights & lowlights, and my face was seldom without makeup.

One evening, seeming frazzled, a lady came rushing into the store. I asked if I could help. She described her shopping trip as a rare chance to get out of the house while her husband wrestled kids to bed. She was quickly looking for nothing specific. Within moments of conversation, I realized that she had liner and mascara only on one eye. Thinking, "How embarrassing!" I gave her my undivided attention. She must really need help, I figured. How could you forget something like that?

We ended up chatting for a while. She told me about her kids, her job as a school psychologist, and how she rarely had time to shop for herself. I don't think she bought anything; I do recall that she was on her way to a children's clothing store.

She seemed happy, which was perplexing to me. I thought about how when I had kids, I would make myself a priority; I would make sure my makeup was on before I left the house, and I would buy clothes for myself that were as cute as those I bought for my kids. Now 13 years later, I look back at this interaction with a whole new perspective. That lady was one step ahead of me; she at least managed to get one eye fancied up for her night out.

Oh, and having kids of my own to dress and make adorable before leaving the house, I understand how my mom could arrive at a choir concert with mismatched shoes. I get it now, I really do.