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Every Day is Precious: Simple manicure was a thoughtful ego booster
By ROB PAYNE
For Williamson A.M.
Sometimes the smallest thing can make a huge difference.
As a man, I don't understand many of the things women think they have to do: keep (and use) 14 different types of shampoos and conditioners in the shower, apply one type of goop on the face to go to sleep at night, and another type of goop in the morning to take it off, and wear make-up the complexities and interaction of colors and textures of today's cosmetics make my college chemistry classes look easy!
My wife, Marcy, was diagnosed with a motor neuron disease in which the brain, over time, stops communicating with the muscles. When not used, the muscles atrophy or disappear. As her muscles started to wane, I started doing many personal care tasks for Marcy like brushing her teeth and hair.
One area that always seemed totally unnecessary and some nutritionists say unhealthy is painting fingernails. Just smelling the polish and remover reminded me of the solvent I used to use to strip furniture. How could that be good for you?
When Marcy was in perfect health, she had her nails done more frequently than I thought our budget allowed. She helped the budget as much as she could she used the lower cost places at the mall.
But I didn't think it necessary at all, so when she was physically unable to get to the mall anymore, her nails didn't get done.
One day our neighbor, Audrey, quietly noticed my neglect (and ignorance) and said, ''I have a new color that would look great on you. Let's do your nails.'' We didn't ask her to do it, she didn't ask us permission to do it, she made a statement, the ''assumed close'' they tried to teach me in sales training classes.
So Audrey went home and came back in minutes with her toolbox a medium sized container with a handle and more colors than our nine-year-old daughter's crayon collection. I didn't watch, so I don't know how she did it, but Audrey gave Marcy French nails. I didn't even know nails could have different nationalities.
When done, Marcy's nails did look nice, but in the back of my mind I was thinking of the naturalists' and nutritionists' belief that nail polish is a toxin and a possible detriment to her health.
But since that first day, Audrey has come to the house every day that she was in town and well. She always checks Marcy's nails and brings her toolbox when ''necessary.'' And since that first day, every woman who comes to the house notices Marcy's nails and compliments her. It makes Marcy smile.
And smiling is definitely good for her health.
If someone you know is going through some troubling times, consider giving them a manicure. Even if you don't know the different nationalities of nails, your effort will initiate lots of smiles. And that's a good infection to start internationally.
Every Day Is Precious is a column to remind us to treat everyone we see today as if it could be the last time we see them. It is written by Rob Payne, whose wife, Marcy, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in August of 2000. Now 40 years old, she has gone from winning 5 and 10K races to being quadriplegic and on a ventilator at home. For more ways to help others, to find more about Marcy, or to receive e-mail updates on her condition, visit www.everydayisprecious.com. Readers may contribute to her care by sending donations to Every Day Is Precious, 2051 Harvington Drive, Franklin 37069. If you have helped someone without being asked, or know of someone who has, share it with others. Send to rob@everydayisprecious.com or to Every Day Is Precious, 2051 Harvington Drive, Franklin 37069.
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