The Goatee Dilemma

(Aug 2010)
For many years Michael has been sporting a goatee for Michael a goatee wasn't just facial hair, it was a way of life.  You can't think of Michael without thinking "goatee" but if you look at any recent photos he's clean shaven.  So what happened? Is this what happens when your fiance has complete control over your shaving habits? Can't a man have the right to choose his facial hair style? Who would shave Mike's identity? The answers are not that simple.

After "The Accident" Michael continued to sport a goatee (as you can see from the accident picture).  This seemed right because of the attachment he had to it.  Over time things started to get more complicated; his goatee continued to grow and it wasn't easy to keep it clean and trimmed. I didn't realize how much work they are.  We tried our best but soon his goatee had a life of it's own it migrated to the right and was completely overgrown and he developed a bad rash from lack of proper care and love.  During this time his hair got hard to control as well.  Below is a picture for demonstration purposes only.

The dilemma began should we shave Michael's pride and joy or try to increase our goatee skills?  Finally the day came we couldn't postpone our decision any longer something had to be done.  It wasn't easy and we knew the inevitable decision would cause great sadness for the man I love.  Lauri (Mike's mom) and I took his goatee out for one final walk to say goodbye.

Then we went back to the room and pulled out the clippers Lauri looked at me with a "well go ahead" look I shook my head and said "No I can't you do it." we kept going back and forth it was like deciding who was going to shoot Old Yeller.  Finally Lauri "The Brave" grabbed the clippers and made an unrepairable pass over the goatee.  It got a lot easier after that and I even chipped in.  Just as we completed the degoating his aunt Debbie showed up with a Flowbee (spl?) to cut his hair. For those of you not familiar with a Flowbee it's clippers that you hookup to a vacuum cleaner so that as you cut it sucks up the hair (watch 'Wayne's World' if you need a demo).  Soon Michael had no goatee and very short hair.  As predicted he was very sad.

I personally think he looks way better without the unruly goatee and as time went on he adjusted to his new look and enjoyed a rash free face.  So now you know it was Lauri who did it. (Sorry Babe)