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!
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, wow, this is lovely and painful. And such a wondeful tribute to your mother.
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!
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 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.
Love that smile!