Close Shave

The sabbatical beard is history. After a two-week trial I shaved it off last night. Much to Bryna’s delight. The best compliment came from Ben who told me I looked like Brett Favre. That’s what a bit of gray on your chinny chin chin will do for you. My running partner and fellow Episcopal priest, the mustachioed Father Patrick Ward, told me, “If that’s the best you can do after two weeks, you’re a hopeless cause.” (There, I mentioned you in my blog; now get off my case).

Before shaving it, I went through all the possibilities — keep a goatee, maintain Elvis-like sideburns, shave everything but the “soul patch.” But in the end, it all looked lame. I just hope that, like Samson before me, I don’t lose all my super powers.