Sometimes we get so used to what we are going through, good or bad, that we forget there is anything else other than that. We get accustomed to protecting ourselves in survivor and fight mode, when things are overwhelming. When they last that way for years, we sometimes forget there is another way at all. How could there be another way, after all I’ve had to learn in order to deal with this? To let go of all the protection and defenses seems almost impossible. It’s a flaunting of something just out of reach.
But today, after Lucas’ tooth extraction, I was reminded that our battles come to an end sometimes. Our hard defenses can surrender their posts at certain points during the war. Surrendering your post allows for the new. For the time when the defense is no longer needed – a time that you never believed would come. Sometimes that day comes.
Like a shining symbol of armor in all its glory, Lucas’ tooth, with its metal coating, beamed as I opened the treasure box that contained it. He just had it extracted to make space for the new teeth that need to come in. We have been in an orthodontic plan for almost two years. Things are progressing well. He has been brave, facing the unknown and scary, time after time, so much more so than many grownups I know.
I have had to be brave that many times too. To support him, protect him, ask the questions, make sure his care is being performed well and followed up on.
That metal tooth was the symbol of a battle we fought years ago. One I forgot all about. The armor went up and stayed on for years til we forgot it was even there. But it was still doing it’s job well while we forgot about it.
There is inspiration in looking back at how it got there and at all it achieved. When he was only three years old, he had to go under anesthesia for some major dental work involving coating four teeth with metal seals to prevent further cavities and decay. Cavities were what required going under anesthesia because he had eight all at once at that dental visit. The four metal coatings were placed as a barrier and preventative measure to stop the same attack from damaging again.
For him to go get this specific tooth extracted marks the first of those four metal teeth to come out. The armor did its job. We got to the next stage successfully. And it reminds me that we do get through hard things. Independently and together. And sometimes we can let our tough guard down, and say job well done, you may rest now.
Sometimes our armor is that way, so strong and so long enduring, we don’t even realize we still have it going. There are times that once the armor has done its work, we can take it off.
Don’t miss the beauty in that, and rest for a moment. Enjoy and honor the pieces of you that helped you get to where you are. Thank them, and let the ones shed off that have done their job, so that new may come. It is time. You have done your job for that season, and I thank you. And of course that deserves celebration, at one of Lucas’ favorite places to eat! Soft food IHOP combo with strawberry syrup on top. ❤️
Atypically Joyful 