Dental Breakthrough

Going to the dentist is always a traumatic event for Will and in turn, just as traumatic for Lori (or worse). It is usually filled with screaming, crying, kicking, yelling, and pleading; and by the end of the appointment those actions include almost everyone involved. This includes any visit, even simple check ups or cleanings. Lori is usually the one to take him in since I work up in Salt Lake. Though I did go with them the day they were going to have to put him out to do some extensive work.

Yesterday was Will's next check up. You can feel the tensions rise in our home each day closer we come to such an appointment. In the afternoon, I received the following phone message:

"Hey, Dad! It’s me, William. Um, we’re just leaving the dentist building and I—was—SSSUUUPER good at my dentist appointment today. I was so good I even sat in the chair and I didn’t even scream or cry or whine or anything. I just went quick-as-a-flash to get my dentist appointment done AND I got one of those rubber sticky hands AND NOW it’s sticking to me. Call me when you get this message. BYYYYYYYEEEE!!"

He naturally received a reward for his behavior. But I think his biggest reward was the excitement he felt about making it through the appointment with such stellar behavior. In all reality, I was happiest for Lori. Tender mercies.