This last week I was told "you have a beautiful smile" by a fellow at the bar. I didn't know how to react, really. This was the first time I could ever remember anybody telling me those words. Sure, my mom and dad probably told me over the years, but here I was, just a few days short of 25 years old and his words hit me like a ton of bricks! He probably didn't think much of the compliment but it meant the world to me! Sadly, I can't even really remember how I responded. I think I blew it off.
I've always been an outgoing gal with a good amount of self confidence but I would say but one thing that I've always been embarrassed about was my smile. I sucked my thumb until I was almost 10 and it had its effect on my teeth in addition to having crowded mouth too. My parents always hoped to get me braces in high school but understandably with helping my older two siblings through college, finances were tight. Last March, my mom and sister came out to California for a girls wine weekend! One morning while my sis slept in, Mom and I ran to get coffee. Mom handed me a envelope while I was taking the key out of the ignition, ready to head in. The confusion probably showed on my face as I looked up at her asking, "what is this?" She went on to explain that they've always wanted to get me braces but with finances being tight with the others in college, it wasn't in the budget. She handed over the envelope with a letter explaining that they were going to be "helping" me with Invisalign. I was blown away. Many things can be forgotten. When someone follows through on a promise, even after the recipient forgets, geniune character speaks.
So June 2011, I started my Invisalign treatments and the results have been amazing! Most cases wear Invisalign for about 12 months but with mine, it'll be about 18 months. After that, I'll probably have to wear the metal braces for 2 months on just the bottom (crowded) and then they'll put the permanent bar in behind my bottom front teeth.
See my predicted Invisalign case here.
Lesson for my kiddios: When I tell you to take care of your teeth, it's because I've been through it. Don't go to kindergarden sucking your thumb.
If you make a promise to someone and time passes, that doesn't mean the promise expires. Even if the recipient of your promise forgets, go on to fulfill that promise. Believe me, it goes miles!
And to my Mom & Dad, thank you.
