Day 1172 Baby Steps

 

Baby Steps

Somehow, everything will get back to order—sooner or later.

I had a rare day off: my final appointment for my dental implant, followed by a cleaning. I was so tired that the thought of lying still in the dentist’s chair, with nothing to do but close my eyes, sounded like a dream. The implant finally to be put in—my mouth soon to be back in order!

After the implant work, came the cleaning. I had a new hygienist this time, and she was a talker. The one-way conversation was constant as I lay there being peppered with her entire family history—from kids to in-laws and everything in between. I suppose it kept me from dozing off while she worked, so I won’t complain (or did I already?).

The most painful part of the appointment came at checkout. After already paying $5,000 for my implant, I was told I had a new balance of $2,900—making it one very expensive tooth! Apparently, the first $5,000 was just for the oral surgeon; the rest covered the actual implant.

If you recall, both Tim and I started down this path last spring, each needing an implant. Who knew we’d still be dealing with it so many months later? He’s still waiting for his final appointment, but I softened the blow and warned him that more money would be due. Thankfully, my HSA covers the cost for both of us—otherwise, imagine coming up with $16,000 for two new teeth! Even with the best dental insurance around, I’m still amazed this is considered cosmetic. At that price, I have a newfound respect for toothless people!

Tim said he wouldn’t do it again if he’d known what he knows now. But even with the steep price tag, my mouth feels so much better having all my teeth again—and I think he’ll feel the same once his is finished.

After my appointment, I came home, washed dishes, and then headed out to meet friends for a late lunch. We sat in a dimly lit restaurant, devouring delicious food, chomping down on steak tacos with my brand-new tooth, and raising our glasses to celebrate finding a rare sliver of time together.

I’m not even ashamed to say that when I got home, I went straight to bed—the last few weeks had finally caught up with me.

As I lay there enjoying the nothingness of my afternoon,  HR buzzed in with a text from Bridie, who was serving dinner to her boys. Mack was telling her that she’s the second-best cook, with me being #1. Aww, so sweet—but that’s the life of a mom. You cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, and the kids will  remember that one delicious meal Grammy made them. Mack also added that Grandpa just sits on the couch drinking fruit punch while Grandma Rachel cooks—maybe he’s just a little more envious of Grandpa!

Life these days seems to be a mix of painful,  pricey, and precious. Step by step—baby steps—everything really does find its way back to order. And sometimes, a new tooth and a good taco and sweet texts from grandkids are all it takes to make you smile again.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”
— Anne Lamott