A good friend’s son recently announced on Facebook that he was getting braces.
His status updates on the big event were a countdown of sorts, beginning the day before, then that morning. After the orthodontist had done the deed, he posted, “Four hours down, 21 months to go.”
Oh, how I know that feeling.
I had braces, too. In fact, my mother had three kids in braces (and would have had four if my oldest brother hadn’t conveniently knocked out his front teeth in a bicycle accident and required more drastic measures).
Of all the gifts my mother gave me in life — and there were too many to list here — I look back on those two years in braces with much love and gratitude. I know they were costly, especially multiplied by three. But what an investment they were for our future health and happiness.
Plus, since the orthodontist was in Paducah, Kentucky — a 30-minute drive from my hometown — the monthly check-ups meant missing a half-day of school. Oh, how I loved those trips with Mom! We’d get the dental appointment out of the way, then go shopping or eat.
And she’d always made sure there was a treat I could eat (since so much was nixed by my mouth full of metal).
So, I hope my friend can appreciate his time ‘under the wire.’ Thanks to my mom, it put the smile on my face.
You know who you are
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Posted on August 9, 2014 in Commentary, Friends, Humor, Love, Philosophy, Photography
Tagged friends, Humor, life, love, philosophy, photography, quote, raining, smile