Toothy Issues and Life Lessons

Today, I had an interesting schedule. A morning coffee meeting followed by lunch with Lady A and then finally, a dentist's appointment.

At lunch, I mentioned to Lady A about My Selfie and the criticism that ensued by sharing it with people (whom I believe are mostly my friends). I showed the Selfie to Lady A and she supposed that it could have used better lighting; something that Craigley pointed out as well. Lady A decided to take my picture for me. Anyone else, I would have objected to; however, this is Lady A - the person who plucked me out of Anonymity and thrust me into Spotlight. She believed in me when no one knew me. And I believe that I can always trust her when it concerns my wellbeing!

So, we set off from lunch to her home where she decided to do a photoshoot with me.

I never ever thought I would find a camera in my face a delightful experience. Lady A was a pro. Before I knew it, she had me smiling and making faces. I don't really remember baring my teeth that much to anyone recently!

And Lady A kept saying something like, "Those mean people! How could they say that about your teeth?" And I was like, "Yeah! I want a toothy picture for my next issue!"

And that's what it will be. With everyone wanting to fix my teeth, I had almost become afraid to smile. 

And talking of teeth, I had this pain on the left side of the inside of my mouth for a couple of weeks now. I kept ignoring it as there are always things to do. I had no time to take care of my pain. Then, the pain increased! Last 3 days have been hell. I couldn't sleep and I was a mess. Finally, yesterday, I confided in my friend C that I am in severe pain. She gave me an Advil and suggested I call my dentist right away! I mean, that is common sense but I needed someone to say that to me!

Today, I had my dentist's appointment. It turns out it is my “doubly done” root canal and one wisdom tooth! I actually identified those problems already. However, that doesn't make me smart at this point in time.

While reflecting on all of the above, I came to the realization that I have a high tolerance for pain. I deal really well with physical, mental and emotional pain! I deal well with pain till it is gut wrenchingly unbearable. When that happens, then I make a painfully slow move toward a solution. That is something that needs to change. Why must I put up with pain? No one should put up with pain!

“Thank you Lady A for finding a happy smile with my teeth that need to be fixed! Thank you New Dentist for patting my head and reminding me that I need to take care of me! You both made me feel like a child who is loved!”

One who knows me so well and one who knows me not at all...both of them, in their own ways, reminded me that life is too short to walk around with pain in my heart and in my teeth!