Managing

About a month ago, I received bad news.  Not earth shattering, life threatening, terrible news, but bad news.  The dentist said my jaw would probably click forever.

What a big word that is--forever.

I didn't think much of forever when I got married.  I was so in love and happy.  I think my thought process went like this "Yeah, sure, whatever forever, let's just get this done...yea!!!"

Then, forever took on more weight when I found out I was pregnant with Eloise.  It was a huge adjustment. This child would be my child forever.  For better or worse, for richer or poorer, until death do us part, Eloise would be and is and will be my daughter forever.  That's when parenthood got serious!

But still, it turned out to be wonderful.  The words "she's so beautiful" that I cried as she came to my arms for the first time, bloody and smooshed and screaming, are still true today.  I want her to be forever.

The same is true for Cordelia.  Alex, Eloise, and Cordelia are wonderful blessings (that although take a lot of work, energy, and care) I want to keep forever.

But this jaw problem.  TMJ.  The clicking and the pain.  That I want to be gone.  Good-bye forever...right?  Unfortunately wrong.

I saw a specialist yesterday for my TMJ.  (It's never good to have to go to a specialist.  Yikes.)  And he confirmed what I already knew was true.  The problem can't be fixed.  It is only managed.  Bummer!

That stinks.  That stinks forever.

I'm trying to think of a positive/clever/enlightening/cute way to end this post.  And I can't wait decide which way to go.  Maybe I should do a "choose your own ending" like those books we read in elementary school.  Or, maybe not.

Here's my ending.

When in doubt, post a photo.