A very special anniversary celebration 

Marilyn Pellini

A few years ago it was to be my 50th wedding anniversary, but I was anticipating that day with great sadness since I was already a widow.

I was sad for myself and for my children too. They sorely missed their dad and had been planning a very special event for over two years to surprise us on that day.

As that date approached, I decided not to mention the fact to anyone because I did not want them to feel as badly as I was. I knew, however, since it would occur in the middle of the week, everyone would be working, so I needed to plan something for my own sanity. A trip by myself or even one that I could convince a friend to come on with me did not sound that appealing. Finally, something came to me.

There was a program on TV then, which I was a real fan of. It was titled “What Not To Wear.” It was a show of makeovers for women of all ages. These gals started out as such “Plain Jane’s,” but by the end of the show had very stylish clothing, makeup and hairstyles. I was looking for something momentous for this occasion, and I was looking for a lift—something thrilling, exciting and pleasurable. I decided to see if the very famous hairdresser on that TV show would take me on as a client.

Being totally computer illiterate, it took me quite a while to find the famous Nick Arrojo. I did not want to ask for any help accomplishing this task, because I wanted to keep this my secret. I finally made the call. A receptionist answered the phone and I courageously asked, “Does Nick take on anyone as a client, or do you have to be rich and famous?” Her answer was as dramatic and to the point as was my question. “If you can pay his price, you’re in,” she replied. I swallowed hard and asked what he charged. “$500,” she softly and sweetly replied. Right then and there I made the appointment for the very day of my anniversary.

Next I hired a car and driver to get me into the city and back. It was someone my husband and I used many, many times and seemed like an old friend. I had planned to make a day of it – after my special haircut I was going to lunch and then do a little shopping. My driver scratched that though, because he did not like the area where the shop was. He instructed me to call when I was finished with my appointment, and he would take me to Little Italy for lunch. He had a friend who owned a restaurant there, and we were treated like royalty.

The haircut itself was quite a production. First pictures were taken of me, sitting in Nick’s chair in my street clothes with my reflection in the mirror. Then Nick appeared, and put the cape on me, and another picture was taken. This went on throughout the whole process. Nick asked if I wanted any specific style or were there any “do’s and don’ts.” He went to work with the cutting and blow drying with pictures taken throughout the process. When I left, all of the pictures were presented to me. He was very kind and affable, and I did like the haircut.

My friend Loretta instructed me that the minute I got home I was to drive to her house so she could see my new “do”. We had tea and homemade cake to celebrate the event, and I knew she was thinking of my anniversary too. Another friend invited me to dinner, and on the weekend my kids made it a memorable event also with a special dinner out. I was able to get through the day and week by thinking of all these special events I would never forget.