Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Why I Love the Dentist

Despite my previous post, this is not about my undying devotion to my dentist because he thinks I look like Susan Sarandon, though that is a perfectly rational reason to write him into my will.

Tomorrow I'm scheduled for a root canal and I realized for the umpteenth time that I really don't mind going to the dentist. Kind of look forward it, actually. Even for root canals.

My dentist claims that mothers of young children are the only patients who enjoy spending time in his office. I think he's on to something.

From the time I wake up to the time my head hits the pillow, I run the world. I keep four little beasties fed, clothed, bathed, behaved (sort of), alive, and relatively uninjured. I keep a house from falling apart or being condemned by the health department. I keep my car maintained and repaired and running. I keep myself maintained, repaired, and running. I go to work and keep my department running. I plan and strategize and oversee and delegate and follow up. At home, at work, at church; I cajole and entreat and sometimes nag. I keep track of all the details--what size shoe each child wears, what level of certification each employee is at, which child needs what shots before school starts, which keys are checked out to which employee, who is due for vision exams or training sessions or playdates or promotions.

There are very, very few places in my life where I can let the burdens slide off and let somebody else take over. The dentist's office is one of those places.

When I get in that chair I'm not in charge anymore. All I have to do is lay there with my mouth open and do nothing. I've been known to fall asleep while he's drilling. No happy gas; it's just the unadulterated bliss of surrendering control.

Zen at the dental office.

5 comments:

tren said...

Weirdo. :0) I do NOT enjoy the dentist, not even one itty bitty little bit.

Becky said...

If I could, I'd let you take my teeth to the dentist instead of going myself. I HATE the dentist no matter what the situation. However, I wouldn't mind sitting and waiting for an appointment, all cozy in the waiting room with the tank of tropical fish who all happen to also be in a zen like state like yourself. Yes, give me a good book and a comfortable waiting room and it's perfect, just don't expect me to actually go and visit the dentist himself, a chat with the receptionist will be sufficient.

Sindea Horste said...

First, I bow down to you and your enjoyment of the dentist. All Hail Wendy... I do not at all mind the dentist, however I have not had much work done, so that could be the reason why. That being said... I do believe you deserve some REAL zen experiences in your life. You know, a day at the spa, a relaxing meal, a weekend getaway. And of course, all planned by someone else.

Megan B ♥ said...

Oddly, I can totally see your point.

Anil Philip said...

haha! my wife is a dentist and I shall send her this!