Each Friday, I post Flashback Friday, where I use St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Examen as a guide and usually ask the following questions: For what are you least grateful this past week? For what are you most grateful this past week?
Least grateful
Looking ahead to the future: I haven’t been to a dentist in…I don’t know when. This past week, my bottom gums have been bleeding, probably thanks to gingivitis…and have been aching as well. It hurts a bit when I chew or at the least “weird,” whatever that means. It’s not constant pain, but a bit worse at night. I haven’t had dental insurance since I don’t know when either, and now am afraid that the cost of dental X-rays alone is going to put me and my wife into hock for the next 20 years. For now, I’m using toothpaste and a mouthwash, but I have a feeling it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
On top of this, I have to get bloodwork in the near future because about a year ago, I was told my triglycerides were too high. I’ve been avoiding it ever since…but now with a new prescription of a drug I take running out, I have to get the bloodwork done before I can get a refill. I am soooo not looking forward to the future.
Most Grateful
Looking ahead to the future: Tomorrow, my sister, brother-in-law and my five-year-old nephew are coming over to our town to visit. My sister and brother-in-law are taking us out for lunch and then taking me along with their son on a train ride just outside of town. My wife would go, but she has to work.
Near the end of August, I’m going to my 25th high school reunion and will be joined by my wife. On Friday, Aug. 24, our class is having an informal get-together at a restaurant near where we graduated and that is owned by one of my classmates and his wife. Then on Saturday, Aug. 25 is our more formal get-together at an American Legion also near where we graduated, in fact, I think within a mile or two of the high school from where we graduated. “The night will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, dessert, music, and some class favorite surprises. The legion will provide a party atmosphere with pool, shuffleboard, darts, & even horseshoes outside,” according to an e-invitation to which we already responded with an enthusiastic “Hellz yeah.” Well, not quite, but still we responded and we are going.
Note: not A pool but “pool,” with the addition of shuffleboard, darts, & even horseshoes outside.” Personally, I think it’d be more fun with the horseshoes inside, but maybe that’s just me.
In October, my wife has her 20th college reunion and this one ought to be good too, but without the alcohol, since she (and I) graduated from a Christian college (Messiah College)
Then sprinkled throughout the last months of the year will be vacation days here and there. I work part-time at a library, but still have a little bit of vacation and am grateful for what I do have. I’m excited that I’ll be able to take a day or two here or there, even some around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
Even as it’s been raining where I am, at least, I have sunshine in a bag…
…and my future is coming on.
So as always, I’ll leave you with the questions: For what are you least grateful and most grateful this past week?
I know what you mean about having dental problems. Ugh! I have them too and no dental insurance. Is there a dentist around that would give you a discount? My kids have a dentist who doesn’t charge for x-rays just for the work that needs to be done. When my tooth hurts, I usually use Orajel. It’s for teething infants but it works wonders.
Have fun on your trip to town.
I’m least grateful for the ton of migraines I’ve been getting lately. Most grateful for: having food in the ‘frig.
Sorry about the migraines, but yay for food!
there is a dentist around here that does work for free. You might want to see if you have one in your area.
Thanks. I’ll have to look into that here too.