I often tell my husband that I think God's life lesson for me is patience && these past couple weeks have really proved that point! Hayden has been getting her next round of teeth, and if you haven't been around a teething toddler let's just say it doesn't exactly put them in the best of moods. Last Friday Hayden was in one of the worst moods I've ever seen her in - the entire day was like one looong meltdown. At one point in time, she flung herself backwards into my face. This freaked me out because she hit my eye and I was really concerned since I am supposed to avoid contact with my eyes for a couple weeks still {due to my LASIK a couple weeks ago.} Well my eye ended up being fine, but after lunch I discovered the majority of one of my teeth had broken completely off!
In order to get this fixed I had to drive my self down to Iowa City Wednesday because that's where my orthodontist/prosthodontist/&oral surgeon are. I only needed the prosthodontist though because she broke one of my "implanted" teeth. To make a loooonnng story short, I've been in braces for about 13 years now and have undergone many surgeries to fix my jaw and replace missing teeth {something I was born with.} When I first started going through all of this I was told they'd be done by the time I went to college - I was SO excited for a fresh new beginning! Obviously that didn't happen. So then I told myself, at least they'll be done by the time I'm married {2 years into college.} They literally laughed at me when I asked if that was a possibility. I felt self conscious of smiling at my own wedding, and I still dislike several of my wedding pictures for this reason. Then of course I was hoping they'd be done by my first child {which I had during my last semester of college.} Hayden turns 15 months in a few days.
I only have one more surgery this summer, and so based on what I thought they had left to do after that, I thought surely they'd be done at the very latest next Spring. This is kind of what we've been assuming for a while. When I went to see my doctor to get my tooth fixed, I thought I might as well discus the rest of what has to be done and get a better timeline {he's the guy in charge of the whole process, who will do all of the "pretty stuff" at the end, but I rarely get to talk to him.} He told me I'm probably looking at 18 months - 2 years before they are done. This is the exact opposite of what I wanted to hear.
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I would like to say that I have been incredibly patient with them. Many things in my life have revolved around this whole stupid process - including where I went to college! I feel like I have to get this done in order to "move on" with my life, but I must constantly remind myself, that there will never be this future magical time in my life when everything is perfect. This may seem silly to most of you who don't really understand how much this journey has impacted me, but it's been a very long, and at times frustrating one for sure. Never have I doubted that it is all because God knows something I don't - that He sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for me. I would have never gone to school here, had it not been for needing to stay close for monthly appointments, but it was truly a life changing experience and I'm very glad I ended up where I did.
This is definitely the longest post I've written to accompany my Inspiration Friday lol, but it's also one of the most meaningful to me! I don't expect everyone to understand it, but I do know we all have setbacks in life, and hopefully these quotes can encourage you guys as well! So here are the rest of them:
P.S. I just BARELY got this written. The top of my power cord that connects to my computer has suddenly decided to fray and looks like it will break of very soon - of course no longer able to charge my computer, which is about to die. Probably due to all of the times I've caught Hayden chewing on it :(. After I post this I'll probably need to read back through all of these quotes again on my phone lol. {So please forgive me if I'm absent until we can find me a replacement cord!} C'est la vie!
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that is a lot of surgeries....hang in there..and good for you for having a great attitude!!
ReplyDeleteI love your quotes.
happy weekend.
I know what it's like to have jaw problems :( I have been going through it for the past 2.5 years now, and I'm in an orthotic to correct my midline and bite. I have no idea really what's next -- they've told me maybe braces or maybe ceramic crowns to adjust my bite if they decide its a choice after they see how my bite progresses with the orthotic. It's been horrible though, so I know what you mean. I just want it over and fixed. I've had an MRI to show that one side of my jaw is longer than the other, and at least one of my "discs" is misplaced or gone. Signs of deterioration as well. Honestly, I don't really understand what it all means! Everything was fine and then one day, my jaw and some of my teeth started to hurt and it hasn't stopped since. I was told that my bite has apparently has always been off but the dentists I went to in the past were not specialized in bite problems. It's been really a huge challenge and everyday I wish it would just go away. I have to remind myself that it's happening for a reason and I can get through it. I am with a neuromuscular dentist now, after going to many dentists who really had no idea what they were doing regarding bite issues. I think I am finally on the right track, but sometimes I wish I could just push a button and it would all be fixed.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I feel for you! Patience is hard at times.
Also with Hayden teething, have you tried any homeopathic remedies for teething? That really helped Sophie.
Oh Kate--I'm sure this was a very difficult post to write. Thanks so much for opening yourself up. I'm so proud of you for taking your frustration to the Lord even though your patience is wearing out. I too, struggle with patience (in general). Those are some beautiful quotes as well...very encouraging! And just remember, "the best is {really truly} yet to come"! Hang in there girl!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! This is a lot... Thank you for sharing and for your example!
ReplyDeleteI love all the quotes and you will be in my thoughts and prayers this next while as you prepare and endure this one last surgery.
Have a marvelous weekend... Kate! I'm rooting for you... And I don't even know you personally... Lol...
Xoxo
Jacy
My comment didn't link for some reason...??
ReplyDeleteIt's Jacy over at www.mynameisjacy.com if you were wondering :)
I just came across your blog and I'm hooked! What a great message to share with everyone. Patience is such a great reminder to us all and something I dearly struggle with. You have been through a lot and it's wonderful to see your attitude towards it all.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm sooo looking forward to having them over with!
ReplyDeleteYikes! Sounds like you've been through a lot as well :(
ReplyDeleteYou know, that didn't even occur to me! Do you have any suggestions of what to try?!?
Thanks Shannon... I feel like I've been giving a surprising amount of peace with this last round of news. But still definitely looking forward to the day this is all done!
ReplyDeleteThanks dear! It's super awesome to have support... even if we've never met :P
ReplyDeletethat's weird? But I recognized your name anyways ;-)
ReplyDeleteAww thanks :) Yeah I know patience is definitely something a lot of people have to deal with - that's why I have to just let it all go so I don't drive myself crazy! :)
ReplyDeleteHyland's Teething Tablets is one of the most common ones available. If you have a Whole Foods or other natural grocer in your area, they would most likely have them!
ReplyDeletehere's the Hylands website so you can read about it:
http://www.hylands.com/products/teething.php
I always say that I've been through enough to learn patience now that it should just be given to me, lol! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all that great inspiration, Kate (as always)~Lisha
hmmm - looks very interesting! We don't really have a natural grocer {sadness} but there is a place that sells lots of natural products {& a few select food items} - I'll have to see if they have some! - thanks :)
ReplyDeletelol! Yes I'm sure everyone has many through trying times in their own way... it's how we choose to handle it that makes all the difference! :)
ReplyDeleteI have been going through a lot of emotions today...a combo of everything: motherhood, chores, blogging, and basically wishing/hoping for some things that I know will take time...thx for all the patience quotes...I really needed them! I tend to put too much on my plate, and your quotes put everything into perspective...that things will get done, and the best is yet to come...thx for the hope Kate!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely know the feeling!! I know it's too easy to let myself get caught up in things I can't change when I really need to just take a step back and learn to accept and live in the present!
ReplyDelete