Yesterday, I started wearing braces. Now, it is not unusual that adults get braces to straighten their teeth, but I wore braces 37 years ago. This time, I wear braces because we need to place an implant. So, I have decided that since I am getting new teeth, and now braces, I am living proof that a second childhood exists…

There are many advantages to my second childhood. The most obvious is that I have already lived through my first childhood. So, getting braces yesterday was not new to me. Yes, there have been advances in equipment; I watched a video on home care, I have brackets on most of my teeth, to name a few. Only one tooth will be banded, where all my teeth were banded 37 years ago. Basically, I was calm through the whole process. I remember how to use wax, and I was prepared for eating soft foods for a few days. I knew these things from my experience.

My support system is different. I was the oldest child and was first in my family to have braces. Now, I have children who are supportive and who have lived the experiences of braces. Last night, my daughters and I sang at a church meeting. I commented to my orthodontist that I wasn’t sure I timed it right to get my braces put on the afternoon before singing, but I did fine. When I walked into the room at church where the meeting was being held, my three daughters were sitting at a table and said, “Let me see!” So, the ice was broken. I was free to laugh (which we did a lot), and we sang together which is always fun.

My husband, as always, has been great. I love having a cheerleader in my corner. He made chili for me Wednesday night so that I would have soft food. Today, he made me carrot juice. He went with me to the orthodontist and bought me Tylenol on the way home to ease my headache.

My expectations now are based on knowledge. The reason I have braces again is not the same as before. I also have lived with me for a lot longer and know me better. So, I have very realistic expectations. Last night, one of the brackets came off while I was brushing my teeth. I didn’t panic because my doctor had said that this will be a possible problem. I also have learned to deal with the ups and downs of life.

Would I go back and relive my first childhood? No, I think I will stay with this one. The funniest comment came from my husband as we were talking about me writing this blog. He recalled that he knew me when I had braces before, but this time he gets to pay for them.

We have more things to go through until the process of restoration is complete. My second childhood could last for a long, long time. Who knows? Perhaps I will spontaneously break out into song…oh, I already do that. Well, maybe I never left my first childhood.

Have an empowered day realizing the lessons you have learned from your life. How can you share an experience with your family members or a friend to empower their day?

Tags: braces, children, experience, husband, Life Lessons, Love, second childhood

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Posted in Mormor's Musings by Administrator 2 Comments