Last month, I wrote about the changes autumn brings and how I was changing in the autumn of my life. I wrote about my graying mane of hair and how I relied on the expertise of my hairdresser and colorist extraordinaire, Bruce Lee Ent.
What I did not know was that, at the time I wrote those heartfelt words, Bruce had suffered a sudden heart attack and died only a few days prior.
I know I am supposed to be writing a humor column, but I have been at such a loss for words since I heard this tragic news. Bruce’s passing has left a tremendous void in several lives. So I decided to write about him and what he meant to us here at Waterman Manor. But don’t worry, there is still laughter to be found in this, because Bruce had a terrific sense of humor.
I started seeing Bruce about four years ago. I was in my mid-50s and had just about given up on finding a decent stylist for my lengthy mane. I like to wear my hair long and have done so for years.
I was a regular at Healing Touch Day Spa, where I would routinely have my underarms waxed. Being of Italian heritage, I have long given up on the razor because it only compounds the problem. Five-o-clock shadows may look great on George Clooney, but they don’t suit me, especially in the summer when I want to go sleeveless or take a swim. And I try to make my visits on time for this ritual hair-plucking lest I endure another embarrassment while swimming with my grandson, the Britween.
“Grandma! Is that seaweed or do you just need a wax?” he once inquired loudly as we swam with other residents in our pool. Boy, that kid really keeps me on my toes! He also reminds me when it’s time to have my hair done by humming the tune to The Old Gray Mare.
Four years ago, as I reported for my monthly torture, uh, I mean waxing appointment, I noticed a hair salon had been installed by Healing Touch owners Rudy and Kat Stowell. A handsome, tall, slender gentleman was tidying up his station, and I said hello.
“Hi, I’m Bruce Lee!” he replied.
I thought he was joking and rejoined with, “Hi, I’m Jet Li! Got any nunchucks?”
He didn’t even blink. “No, but I’ve got some great hair products and I know how to use ’em!”
I immediately booked an appointment and was never happier with how I looked. He made my damaged, dry, dull locks look lush and feel silky. The man was a magician! Then one day my husband, The Brit, came with me.
The Brit has, for years, been brushing a few long strands over the top of his balding crown while a dark black fringe continued to grow down his neck and over his collar. I asked Bruce if he could have a go at cutting The Brit’s hair. When he was done, cutting all the hair the same length of half-an-inch, my hubby looked like the prince I adore! His hair was soft and felt oh, so sexy!
The one person whose hair has been a challenge is my Britween. He has hair so thick that it begs to be tousled. And it grows so fast that it is like watching time-lapsed video! But taking him for haircuts was like dragging a stubborn mule up the Grand Canyon Trail. And I know, I’ve done that!
Lacking time one day, I took him with me to my appointment with Bruce and asked if he could cut my grandson’s unruly shock of locks.
“Sure,” he replied and stacked a bunch of fashion magazines on the styling chair for a booster seat for my then 8-year-old MiniBrit. Bruce proceeded to chat fluently in “kid-ese” with him about Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob, and soccer while deftly clipping away.
He then set my little guy in the shampoo chair, turned on its back massager, and washed his hair like it’s never been washed before. Bruce then offered to spike his hair like his favorite soccer player’s and did so perfectly. When we got into the car to leave, my grandson gave me such a serious look and declared, “I want my hair cut here by Bruce and no one else! This is it!”
And so it has been for four wonderful years as my husband, grandson, and I have continued to see Bruce about every five weeks ever since. Bruce didn’t just color in my hair, he brought color to our lives with his charming nature, funny humor, and gentle manner.
Three years ago, on Bruce’s birthday, my grandson gave him a small silver hand cradling a heart that he had been given. He told Bruce, “It’s good that you work at Healing Touch because you have a healing touch, and this little hand with a heart will remind you of that.”
My mother frequently reminds me that people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Those who enter our lives for a reason usually are there to aid us through a difficult time and are a godsend. Those who we meet for a season are there to share experiences and often provide immeasurable joy, but only for a brief time. But then these souls are gone because they have fulfilled their purposes. They may pass away or simply move on. However, people who become lifetime companions teach us lifetime lessons.
Bruce was a dear friend and came into our lives for a reason, and only for a season. But he has taught all three of us lessons and has given us memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.
Bruce Lee Ent leaves behind a loving and devoted mother, husband, co-workers, friends, and clients. Ariel will be happy to post your thoughts on his memorial page. Please send them via her editor, Ryan Miller, at rmiller@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 16-23, 2014.