I love this--and those glorious bangs! (What would we have done without the Aqua Net?) What a sacrifice your mother made--really beautiful. Teeth are incredibly fraught, I think. I have a prose poem coming out this spring about my son's buckteeth (and orthodontia, parenthood, and prayer), as it happens. We must be on the same wavelength, Shemaiah! Or, I wish I was on your wavelength. I can't wait to see your finished smile essay!
Make sure I get to see the poem! Yeah I didn’t think this part of the story fit with the smile essay. I’m not sure it is finished but it is for now. Oh Aqua Net! Just the smell can send me back
My oldest sister, Carolyn, has a similar story. Her buck teeth were like yours. She was second of eleven kids, and our dad had just passed away, when our uncle decided Carolyn needed help. Uncle Louis sponsored her dazzling smile, almost in full, before he was killed in a car accident. It was a rough time for our family but my mom would load up most of the kids for the trip to the orthodontist. It was a fun distraction and Carolyn’s smile was a great gift to the whole family. I can imagine your smile helped your mom a lot.
Oh Helen. So much sadness and determination. What an amazing family you have. Thank you for sharing this story with me. Can't wait till we can visit again. I love this line "Carolyn's smile was a great gift to the whole family." I'm holding that close today as I have been thinking so much about smiling.
Oh, wow, this is lovely and painful. And such a wondeful tribute to your mother.
Again, inspired by you and your winter morning post. I think I’ll send it to her
Your essay inspired an Instagram post I'll be putting up shortly.
Oh Sherman ! I’m so honored that we inspire each other
We must have coffee sometime. And my wife wants to meet you, too
I’d absolutely love that
Wow! That's a big deal to send to her, I think?
Yes
I love this--and those glorious bangs! (What would we have done without the Aqua Net?) What a sacrifice your mother made--really beautiful. Teeth are incredibly fraught, I think. I have a prose poem coming out this spring about my son's buckteeth (and orthodontia, parenthood, and prayer), as it happens. We must be on the same wavelength, Shemaiah! Or, I wish I was on your wavelength. I can't wait to see your finished smile essay!
Make sure I get to see the poem! Yeah I didn’t think this part of the story fit with the smile essay. I’m not sure it is finished but it is for now. Oh Aqua Net! Just the smell can send me back
My oldest sister, Carolyn, has a similar story. Her buck teeth were like yours. She was second of eleven kids, and our dad had just passed away, when our uncle decided Carolyn needed help. Uncle Louis sponsored her dazzling smile, almost in full, before he was killed in a car accident. It was a rough time for our family but my mom would load up most of the kids for the trip to the orthodontist. It was a fun distraction and Carolyn’s smile was a great gift to the whole family. I can imagine your smile helped your mom a lot.
Oh Helen. So much sadness and determination. What an amazing family you have. Thank you for sharing this story with me. Can't wait till we can visit again. I love this line "Carolyn's smile was a great gift to the whole family." I'm holding that close today as I have been thinking so much about smiling.
Oh my Shemaiah. Wow, what a story.... the sacrifices parents make for their kids.
And Eighth grade hairstyles aside, you still have the same broad, beautiful smile.
I was trying to recreate a waterfall with those bangs. I’m unsure I succeeded
Love that smile!
Thank you! 🤓