Tomorrow I go into the dentist to start the process of getting caught up on all the work I've needed to have done for years. The last couple of years the kids have come first with dental work. This year is my turn. Two years ago we spend over 8 grand on the kids teeth. I expect my bill will be close to that. I have years of work that needs doing, from getting rid of old silver fillings and having some roots surgically removed, they won't hold a crown anymore, and possibly two bridges along with the cleaning and such. I had a time in my early 20s where I was drinking soda and chewing gum and smoking all the time and had rapid deterioration and we've never had the money or insurance to get it fixed. Or there have been times where it's been so difficult to live with, and I've said "I'm going to go", and my husband would threaten me that I would lose the van/house if I got us into that much debt. But this year is the last year where we will get a large tax refund that can cover it. This is the last year he will be in college for the whole year and next year our belts will be tight again. This is my last chance and I'm taking it!
It's been a source of embarassment/resentment/pain for me, so I am so excited/nervous/anxious to finally be getting it taken care of. I hold back in my life because of it. It will feel so good to be able to laugh and smile again without having to worry about what someone is seeing. It's been over 10 years since I've been able to. I'm going to feel so set free. I can't wait. I'm going to smile ALL OF THE TIME :)