Braces or No Braces
Traci
BJ braces
Tuesday, January 19, at 10:20am my beautiful daughter Bethany was scheduled to get her braces off. She is about one month shy of having had her braces for 18 months. This process was much quicker than anticipated, but getting them off was still very exciting. Bethany has been counting down the days since her December appointment, when Dr. Schultz told her the thrilling news: "Let's take your off your braces at your next appointment!" But when Tuesday, January 19 came, and so did a sudden migraine. This is a fairly common occurrence so when I received the call from the school, just 15 minutes before I picked her up for the ortho appointment, I winced. Because we moved recently, the orthodontist is almost an hour drive away. I hoped that she could sleep it off in the car and be ok - that's what I prayed. However, ten minutes down the road, she sat up in tears and said, "I can't do it." Within ten more minutes she displayed the full effects of the migraine.
Her appointment is rescheduled for the next possible time: February 22. Ouch!
Bethany was excited for January 19. She and I had great plans - a lunch date (without braces), the purchase of a promised bag of Skittles (if she got her braces off before I was done paying for them!), and shopping for a much-needed pair of pants. I was excited for her and I was excited to give all my attention to her.
I am so proud of how Bethany has managed her disappointment. She was sad. She was disappointed. She told many people this was coming and now must face them at school and church, telling them why she still bears her shiny smile. However, this disappointment did not knock her out.
Disappointment weighs differently on each of us. (Read about Celina's bout with disappointment HERE.) The disappointment itself is different for each of us, but Bethany's response challenges me and I hope it challenges you too:
- She acknowledged the disappointment.
- She grieved the disappointment.
- She engaged others in processing the disappointment.
- She moved on in spite of the disappointment.
It reminds me of the Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
In the face of disappointment (which will come),
Be Extraordinary!
(I’m Traci, the "Be Extraordinary!" blogger. I share insights that challenge and encourage moms to be the best version of themselves. To me, that’s an extraordinary life! Click HERE to receive blog updates and a free newsletter.)