Zen and the Art of Teeth-Cleaning

With difficult topics in the headlines these days, I’ve decided that I need to do something to spread some kindness today. After all, the very gracious Michele has done something very kind for me by choosing this site as her site of the day. And I, in turn, shall do a small something to reciprocate with the great cosmic ledger of kindness.

For a couple of weeks, I’ve had a blank note-card sitting on the kitchen table. The envelope is addressed, and it’s ready to go. But I haven’t written the note yet. Sometimes, I know that I want to say something but am not sure what to say, or how to say it. Today I’ll find the words though, and I’ll get the card off in the mail.

The card has been sitting there since my last trip to the dentist, where I spent most of my time with the dental hygienist. Surprisingly, I actually look forward to trips to the dentist. Not because I enjoy having my teeth poked, probed and scraped, but because I really like my hygienist. I always enjoy our conversations – granted, they’re pretty one-sided, as my mouth is occupied while I’m there, but I really enjoy my time with Karen.

Karen is a very positive, strong, feisty woman. She always tells me what her kids are up to, how her family is doing. I’ve been going to her for about 10 years, so I’ve come to know her a bit over the years. She’s a proud, good Mom; it’s easy to see that. When I was getting married, she offered to have me come in so that she could polish my teeth on her own time. She’s a quietly spiritual person; it’s always been obvious to me that her faith is very important to her. She’s one of those people you feel good being around, too, because she’s such a good person.

Anyway, at this recent visit, Karen was telling me about something, when she hesitated to find a word. Then she stopped and told me she had had a stroke since I last saw her. What? She’s probably in her mid-40’s. I couldn’t believe this. Throughout the rest of my visit, she updated me on what she’d been through -- stroke and then heart surgery. Through it all, she kept saying how fortunate she is, how blessed she is, and she remained incredibly positive. I was reclining back in the dentist’s chair and could feel the tears, first welling up in my eyes and then running into my ears. I forced myself to pull it together. I was just so moved that she had been through so much and was able to be so strong and positive, talking about it.

When I left the office that day, I was overcome with emotion. I wanted to do something for her. But what?

Well, the least I could do is tell her that I look forward to my trips to the dentist, because of her. I will tell her that. Today.

Comments

[Claire]

Hi, Michele sent me...to read such an insightful post. I'll definately be back again.

[christine]

Hi. I've been here before lurking, but Michele sent me today and I'm glad she did!

[bullet]

hello michelle sent me. i'll be back later to read more :)

[raehan]

Hi. I'm glad Michelle sent me. I have to go pick up my daughter from school, but I'll be back when things are quiet around here again.

[Sarah]

Hello! Michele sent me!!

[Cara]

I guarantee that Karen will just love the card that you have sent to her. Just knowing that someone cares besides your everyday friends and family is such a booster. Especially for someone like Karen who has been through so much and has probably shared her stroke and heart attack with several other clients.
Oh, btw, Michele sent me.

[Karen]

She will love the card. I imagine I would have reacted much the same as you did, as well.

[Chana]

Hi, Michele sent me.
I am so glad you are sending that card off. Sometimes in life, we take those positive people for granted but they need all the support they can get as well. I love your blog!

[sleepingmommy]

Hello, Michele sent me. And thanks for the post, it reminded me that I have some thank yous I need to get around to sending out.

[elle]

I love this post - it's so easy to forget sometimes that everyone has their own story and their own trials and joys and they are not just pleasant props in my own life drama.