Tonight's picture was taken in October of 2007. Mattie was five years old and as you can see we went to another Fall Festival. This was what our weekends used to look like, pre-cancer. In many ways, I was living out a second childhood with Mattie. Things that I never did, we did with Mattie. Not because I wanted to do these things, but because these were things Mattie gravitated to. So he pushed me out of my comfort zone and I learned to spend a lot of time OUTSIDE. Mattie was all about fresh air, freedom, and nature.
Quote of the day: Hearts live by being wounded. ~ Oscar Wilde
This morning, after dropping my dad off at his memory care center, and getting my mom situated with her physical therapist, I drove into the city. I had my six month dental appointment. The only time I am alone is when I am having a medical procedure, test, or doctor's appointment. Who knew that these things could have such positive consequences on one's mental health.
My dental hygienist is a love. She is older than me and went through her own divorce years ago. She knows I am my parents' caregiver, and she knows them personally as she cleans their teeth too! So when I come into the treatment room, she puts pillows behind my neck and under my knees, she lowers the lights, and puts on rat pack music. She does this because she calls this my "spa day!" She gets it! You maybe asking yourself.... why the rat pack? After all they were way before my time!
My dad's brother, lived in Florida. He loved this music and would have it blaring around his house all day long. You know with records and a record player! When I was a teenager and visiting him, you can imagine, that I was perplexed by his music choices. I also thought to myself.... wow he is stuck in a time warp. Now that I am much older, I have a much greater appreciation for his musical choices. So when Annie puts on the rat pack, I am transported back to my childhood, I remember family connections, the happier times, and for the hour I am in that treatment room, I put my heartache on hold.
Today was x-ray day. Not one of my favorite days. As soon as Annie told me this, she could see my unhappiness about this, as she knows I feel great stress over balancing all of our finances. Make a long story short, Annie threw in my bite wing x-rays and the gel I use to manage gum sores. I was preparing for a $500 to $700 bill. It was NO where near that today thanks to the kindness of my amazing hygienist. In addition, when I was examined by my dentist, he committed his practice to donate to Mattie Miracle. So overall, it was a positive visit, and I am grateful for the thoughtfulness and compassion of so many people in my life.
No comments:
Post a Comment