Drew at the Dentist

OK - no getting out of it today. Drew will have to have a shot of Novocaine. I tell him about the old days when I had fillings done without Novocaine. He is unimpressed. For him, the thought of that needle is hard to consider. Worse yet, he will have to go by himself since the appointment is smack dab in the middle of my work day.

I know he feels as if he has been asked to walk to the hanging gallows under his own power. The dentist is just around the corner and down the street, and he can certainly get there by foot. I imagine him dragging his feet and piddling along the way, reticent to arrive even though he is glad to have things taken care of.

I am on the reference desk, and it is quiet, so I can pray for him even if I can't be there. I picture him sitting in the waiting room, fidgeting and trying to be brave. I pray that the shot will be quick. As soon as I think he might be done, I text him. How did it go?

He has been home a long time already. The dentist is fast. He never felt the shots but he is still numb! Now his issue is that he is hungry but can't eat until the stuff wears off! But the appointment went smooth as silk. He and his friend are watching a movie - a little treat for all his troubles.

I am pretty sure he will still be nervous for the next appointment, but now he has some experience to draw on so he can tell himself that it won't be as bad as all that.