A blessing in disguise

After having the flu, my mouth started to ache. Then it went to just one side, by the end of this weekend it was down to a certain tooth. Monday and Tuesday I went to school, but didn't feel quite myself. I cried even trying to eat a clementine on Tuesday morning. I called the dentist, even though I really didn't want to. The offered me an appointment that morning, but with no sub already lined up, I was not bound to take it. Even if Brenda (the most fabulous teammate ever) said she would watch both of our classes for a while. Who would of known... I am glad I didn't take her up on that.

I went to the dentist at 8 am this morning to get my tooth (ache) looked into. After some examination and x-rays. I was told that I either needed to get a root canal or have my tooth pulled before I left the office today. The dentist did not recommend taking the tooth since it would cause a permanent whole or be very costly to place a false tooth there at a later time. After 2 hours of an emergency root canal, they said they are ALMOST done with it. They took out a large apses (infection) in each of the 3 canals, but couldn't get it all out of one. Surprisingly, there was just a little pain. One of the worst parts was getting shots of Novocaine into the roof of my mouth (and the smell of all the infection the dentist was drilling out). Plus, having my mouth pinned wide open for just over 2 hours was not a huge joy either. I am now on 500mg of Amoxicillin, which I am to take 6 times a day. I will also be going back to the dentist next Friday to remove the rest of the infection, and finish the root canal. In a little while I will need to get fitted for a crown, but they want to keep an eye on the infection for a while.

Why is this a mixed blessing? I thank God everyday for all the precious gifts he has given me. One of those is my life. On Tuesday, at school a few of us joked about how it was a good thing I was getting it checked out as a fellow member of my school district passed away this year due to some health complications and none other than a tooth infection. I know have one more thing to be thankful for as I count my blessings before bed tonight. I am thankful, I didn't just shove this off, like I do with many things that enjoy the dentist. I am glad all my angels watching over me gave me a quick and well received warning to do something about my (not so) little tooth issue.

As I sit here and watch my girls pull 8 million stuffed animals out of rooms and the playroom, pretending they are all dogs (none of their names, I can remember or pronounce. Thanks Katy!), I am truly counting my blessings and can't wait to clean up after many of their messes for many years to come.

It was an eye opening Wednesday. In a world that is always filled with everything fast paced and full of turmoil, we all need a chance to stop and smell the roses. Hopefully, you too had (or will have) a time to reflect this week upon all the great things we have, are given, and have yet to come.

Jodie