You know you're getting older when...

When I had my teeth cleaned and 4 xrays taken at my previous dentist appointment, I had to make another appointment because I had a cavity. Well, today was the day! As the dental assistant [whose 2 children I had in school and I've known for 20 years] brought me in to the room, she told me that my retiring dentist wasn't there today and my tooth would be fixed by the other dentist. I had already met the dentist who took over the practice, and it was no big deal for me. And then...in walked a young man who extended his hand and said, "Hello, Mrs. W, I'm Dr. Brandnew!" Did I mention that he was young?

"No kidding? Are you old enough to do this? I mean...I'm sure that's not the first time someone has kidded you about your age...nor will it be your last!!!"

I wanted to ask, "Am I on Candid Camera?"

He [who looked tall, confident, and about sixteen years old] was also going to be working there two days a week, and TODAY was his first day there...and I was his FIRST patient in this new setting. O happy day!!

Twenty-six...very soon to be twenty-seven...he told me where he went to college, dental school, and where he did his residency. [in Buffalo!]

"Sorry to break the news to you doc, but I am not the bravest patient in the county while sitting in this chair...but I will do my best!"

I had a 'not so pleasant' shot of novacaine, and prayed constantly...'Stay with me Jesus!'

Evidently the cavity was UNDER a filling [not the best location, for sure!] and so a lot of drilling was in my future while listening to the two professionals work together for the first time. There was discussion of what things were called [the explorer?], and how some things worked [ this particular brand of drill!] were clarified as I wondered again...in my life experiences...why was I the first one breaking in the young doc who was younger than my son!~!

Well, everyone has to start somewhere...or in the case of a dentist..on someone!

Dr R explained everything nicely, and along the way said things like, "Perfect."

"Well, we got all of the cavity out."

And my friend, the dentist's assistance, with the 20 years of experience certainly helped both of us [the doc and me] along the way with the knowledge and confidence she has always maintained. Whew!

As I prepared to call it a day and crawl into bed, I noticed my phone was blinking which meant someone had left a message. It was the dentist's office at 8 AM telling me that my dentist had hurt his shoulder and Dr R would be covering for him. If that was a problem, call them, otherwise, see you at 11:00! So they did give me a heads up ahead of time...but I didn't get the message. I wonder what my choice would have been.

Oh well, it's history.

And I was brave!

And there you have it!