Wednesday 16 March 2011

A lot to embrace...



It's been a very domestic kind of week here. Lots going on, dance shows, concerts, usual homework stuff and all of this unfurling against the tragic backdrop of what is happening in Japan. It is so hard to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster and I sit typing this with one ear constantly listening to the very sad and unnerving updates on the radio.



It has been a week of sunshine and grey skies, mist rolling in from the sea days followed by spring in your step kind of days. The sunny days are of course what I have been waiting for, the chance to go out into the garden, feel that sun on my face and start to unfurl from my winter hibernation. In corners of the garden, hidden under winter foliage, the primroses are starting to appear, their creamy hues adding a much needed boost to the tired, neglected garden. Underneath the apple tree the daffodils are blooming and the old, discarded hyacinths that sat on my fireplace last year have popped up to keep them company.
All of this has brought a much needed smile to my face.



Last week my eldest daughter finally had her braces fitted. After seven years of trips to an orthodontist and a year in which she had to have 8, yes, 8, teeth removed she was finally referred to the local hospital for her treatment. The staff have been lovely, thorough and her treatment has been remarkably quick in coming.



But it hasn't been easy. I had no idea what a painful process it was. Watching your child cry and not being able to do anything is the worst, isn't it? For three days we were counting the hours before the next painkiller could be taken.



Two days after they were fitted, with a mouth full of ulcers and blisters, she had to stand at the front of a stage, grinning inanely with her mouth wide open for a drama piece she is working on at college. I don;t think I could have done that...



In a desperate attempt to get some carbs down her the other day, she grabbed a ball of bread and threw it down her throat which resulted in a very scary moment with me attempting a very poor heimlich manoeuvre on her (she is at least eight inches taller than me, and were it not so scary at the time, it must have been very funny to see).



What has impressed me so much this week is her complete embracing of the brace. She has tried to see the funny side of things at all times. she has not once tried to hide away in self consciousness and I am incredibly proud of her. I know that deep down inside she must be counting away the days till the darned things are removed and hoping that they will be off before University. And I spend my days planning calorie filled meals that are as sloppy as they come and that will keep my beautiful girl smiling.

11 comments:

bellaboo said...

Oh,poor love! I had braces as a child and hated them,so I know how she feels.I had 11 teeth removed.My mother said 'it will be worth it in the end!' :0)

dottycookie said...

Argh, the dreaded braces. They are so horrible to have to wear and always at an age when they're already feeling vulnerable. But the moment when they come off and the glorious smile is revealed - well, that really does make it worthwhile! I don't miss mine, but I am very glad I had them.

Elizabethd said...

I had them too, as most children seem to have done...horrid things.She is being very brave.

Karen said...

I think your daughter is amazing. I would have wanted to stay indoors all the time. Hope she doesn't have to wear them for too long but what a star she is. Karen X

June said...

I had brace on the top only and it was one that you could take out - needless to say it was out more than it was in as children laughed at me pronouncing things differently! The orthodentist said to my mum that it was pointless continuing with the treatment as I was a useless patient! That comment still hurts and I've still got wonky teeth!
At least if they're fitted there's no argument they have to stay in and she will have lovely teeth when they're removed which will make it all worthwhile!
June.

Lisa said...

Goodness me that all sounds like a huge amount to cope with. It will all be worthwhile in the end, but I suppose that feesl like a long way off just now. It's a real credit to her how she'scoping with it all though.
Lisa x

Pretty at Heart said...

Ah poor thing...........how brave she has been!
Dont know if this will help - but that is the one thing I wish my parents had got for me! If I could afford it, I would pay the few thousand to have one now!
I sucked my thumb until a late age and my teeth are crooked, which makes me very self-consious when I laugh!! So yes, it will defo be worth it in the end!
-x-

Petit Filoux said...

Oh poor her! Wish her all the best of luck with this, but to be fair, sounds like she's doing pretty amazing so far!

Thimbleanna said...

Wow -- what a story! I think our children's generation doesn't seem to be as shy about the necessary things in life as we used to be -- they seem so much smarter about that sort of thing. What a trooper your daughter is though -- good luck to her. She'll be glad she got this over with while she's young! (Oh, and I do agree -- there's nothing worse than watching your child in pain!)

ahomespunyear said...

The braces must be horrible to wear...poor girl! But a lifetime of lovely straight teeth after all the pain.
It's amazing that she can keep a sense of humour.

Jill said...

It is always so awful to see your children suffer, but it will be worth it in the end, my son had alot of orthodontic work done, but his teeth are lovely now! Your photos are so lovely. Have a great Sunday.
Jillxx