Gratitude

Yesterday I had an opportunity I rarely get these days, to give a client a facial treatment. I "retired" from hands-on treatments about ten years ago, but occasionally I get called off the bench when one of our wonderful estheticians falls ill.

"Jenny" was one of my private clients from Day One. Back in those days, Preston Wynne occupied less than five hundred square feet into which we'd shoehorned three little treatment rooms. It was very cozy! As we reminisced yesterday, we realized we've known one another for twenty five years. She is now 81 years old.

Her skin is utterly amazing. This fair-skinned, lovely lady has taken the absolute best care of her skin, and the centerpiece of that regimen has been a monthly facial treatment. She has also been vigilant in her use of sun protection. She was an avid walker for years. It's not often one gets to see the long-term effects of excellent skin care and self care, but it's very gratifying! She has the skin of a much younger person, with superb tone and resilience, and texture like rose petals.

Enjoying an hour in her company, I felt deeply honored that the ritual of her monthly facial treatment--and our wonderful visits--has been a part of Jenny's life for over two decades.

Jenny no longer visits the spa under her own power--for years, she walked into the Village for her treatments. These days, her devoted son drives her, escorting his mother with great tenderness. She's fragile now and moves slowly, but there's a determination in her soft blue eyes that delights me. Her facial treatment and pedicure are a non-negotiable!

As any woman knows, beauty rituals transcend appearance enhancement. They are part of the social fabric of our world, and an opportunity to experience for ourselves a bit of the care and nurturing that we extend to others.

Jenny's visit reminded me how fortunate I am to be in this amazing business!