Muhammad Ali and me

Today is the birthday of a man whom I have admired from the days of my youth. I owe much of my courage and drive to his ever strong presence of life. He never knew what he did for me, although I had a chance in 1988 to go see him, my sister-in-law had to drive me to the Mall in Texas where we lived. I so wanted to thank him for his inspiration and drive that had guided me for so many years. Molly thought I was wrong for admiring a man of Color and made sure she took me somewhere else first and then it was too late to meet him. I cried and said more than a few bad words that day and it still remains an open wound for me.

He was Cassisus Clay, he was my age, his words inspired me and his famous saying that he was The Greatest, became my daily motto as I groomed each of my patrons, I would clown around and kinda do a little jig while singing, Cassisus Clay and me are The Greatest people on Earth. My Customers who were the wealthy Jewish, would laugh at me and some even chimed in with me. It became my little Trademark, my way to the stars. It worked and for eight long years I worked hard and gave him due credit for all that he meant to me. I became a very successful Hairdresser and was at the top, when I gave it up for Home and children.

He stood for so very much and in the face of decisions he remained strong, confident and so very sure of himself. I never missed a fight and would watch all that I could on television about him. Some understood where a little country girl, who had holes in her soles and not much else came from. He made me realize that I could stand alone and be confident to face whatever life tossed my way. I was sadden when his illness became so apparent to the world and watched with tears streaming when he lit the Olympic Torch, I still stand strong in my beliefs of this man and wherever you are, I wish you The Greatest Day, cause you are The greatest to me still. I salute you Muhammad Ali.




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