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Jodi Sh. Doff's avatar

She looks adorable, and there will always be time. If you're concerned about appearances, consider asking about a flipper, it's what kid actors use when they're missing a tooth. It's like a snap on partial denture. I'm not sure if they can eat with it or not, but her dentist could tell you that. (Google says you can). Might be a helpful "step."

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hi Jodi

Thank you so much for this.

Yes, one step at a time getting the teeth clean was major

Sending hugs

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Nancy Jainchill's avatar

I love your spirit, your grit, your heart.

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Thank you, Nancy. It’s mutual.

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Kathy Napoli's avatar

As always your life with your amazing Abby and Libby touch our hearts with all the emotional rainbow of feelings. I have been terrorized since childhood of dentistry and unfortunately my fears have traumatized my “knowing better” and impacted my looks and most probably my health. I’ve given up hope about having my remaining teeth fixed but so hope the awesome Abby will come around. There are so many good reasons to fix our broken teeth for good Health as well as good looks. Here’s hoping all will get fixed soon. Love to each of you always. ❤️🌼

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hi Kathy, I agree. Thank you for being such a generous and supportive reader. I really appreciate you. Thanks for sharing as well.

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Nancy Jainchill's avatar

And I love her smile!

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

It really is great! 💕

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Amy Gabrielle's avatar

She is gorgeous. It's surprisingly difficult to find pediatric specialists who are patient with kids who have different abilities / neurodivergent. Their sensitivity only goes so far, it's very sad. I'm glad you both found someone you can trust. Going to the dentist is hard enough!

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Lila Sterling's avatar

It sure is Amy. I have dental anxieties through the roof. And my dental hygienist listened and took action.

Now when I go in they have a heavy blanket ready for me as a resource. This one simple act of “I heard you and I care” lowers the anxiety immensely.

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Amy Gabrielle's avatar

That’s amazing! It takes almost no effort to be kind, and yet so many people are happy to exhaust themselves being short tempered.

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Wow, what a great story.

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Nancy Stordahl's avatar

I love that! I have anxiety too when getting dental work done. I've never mentioned it, though. Maybe I should!

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Nancy, tell us about it. Sharing is healing (usually) as we discover we are not alone and may find the next step. Thank you.

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Nancy Stordahl's avatar

I meant I've never mentioned it to my dental care team. I've had so much work done - I think I hold some record for crowns - I have 8 or 10. maybe more. I've lost track. I've also had two oral cancer scars. That doesn't help. I don't even like cleanings. I just sit there being stoic. Thank you for listening here! I appreciate you. And I really feel for Abby!

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

So true Amy.

The entire western medical complex is very disturbing

And I have come across incredible practitioners.

Thank you for reading and commenting and understanding

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Lila Sterling's avatar

I just loved how I felt reading this.

First of all, Abby is one of my favorite muses. I am awed by her courage and delighted by her smile.

Secondly, I felt validated as a mother who falls into the “should shit” more often than not. But I’m way more skilled at pulling myself out before the stink settles in too deep.

Something here was calming to my entire system, and I’m gonna trust that even if I can’t name it.

Thanks love, thanks Abby, thanks Autumn, thanks Libby, thanks Woodzie! 💗💗💗💗💗

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hi Lila, thank you for reading and for this super kind comment of appreciation. I’m glad you felt seen and validated in it. I love it when that happens in the story.

I really don’t think we could’ve gone this far without Autumn showing up on the scene. She is so kind and talented.

💙🌹💙

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Stephanie Raffelock's avatar

Abby, you sweetie -- so much to go through.

You are such a champion for your girls, Prajna, so patient and caring. One step at a time is a good course of action. Sending you, Abby, and Libby love and goodwill. You are in my heart.

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Aww, Stephanie, thank you so much for reading and your generous kindness. I will tell Abby. She rocks. It is so good to see her smile alive again. Big hug.

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Stephanie Raffelock's avatar

Abby is a beautiful young women, body, mind and spirit! Just like her mom. (okay maybe mom is a little bit older-- but still) Biggest of hugs .

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

That’s right. I’ve got 39 years on Abby

I’m a nana crone

🤔

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Sharon Joslyn's avatar

Good on you Abby. Way to go beautiful girl 💪

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Thank you for reading, Sharon. I will share your good cheer with Abby.

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Lyns McCracken's avatar

I love this Prajna! The dentist can be so traumatizing no matter the situation and Abby is so brave and incredible! I’m so grateful to know you and get to read these stories. Thank you.

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Yes lyns

Thank you for saying so. I will tell Abby.

Her sister has much more patience than I do

Enjoy

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Deborah Gregory's avatar

Aww, what an inspiring story of love and patience. Abby’s strength and the unwavering support around her shine so brightly. Her renewed smile is more than just a physical transformation; it’s a testament to healing on her own terms, one small step at a time.

Love Abby's beautiful smile, the empathy of Dr Sensitive, the amazingness of you, mom, and what a hoot of a t-shirt! Did make me titter! 😄❤️

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hello Deborah, I love your sense of humor — the t-shirt made you titter. HA!

Thx for acknowledging "on her own terms." Yes, Abby knows what she needs, and we're listening. Her sister is the best!

Thank you so much.

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Nancy Stordahl's avatar

Hi Prajna,

Patience and more patience. One step. And then another. I'm sure it's hard moving forward so slowly, and yet, moving forward slowly is still moving forward. As someone who despises going to the dentist, I relate to your sweet Abby's resistance. If only there were more pediatric specialists. I'm wondering now why the one switched to law school. Dang! I hope one day Abby feels ready for the procedure.

I've been rereading a few of your posts. What comes through most in your words is your love for all your girls. Sending love and gratitude for your writings.

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hi Nancy,

Thank you so much for reading some of my posts. Yes, I've been writing more about my daughters as a warm-up to Mother's Day. Reflecting on what "mothering/motherhood" means to me, has meant to me.... Not an easy undertaking, perhaps I'm feeling good enough at the hardest job ever.

Are you a mother?

Yes, she quit dentistry as Covid freaked her out (I think), she did not want to be that close to people anymore. Yes, it is too bad, as it is rare to find medical professionals who will or are allowed to slow down, listen, and give informed consent. The clock is ticking.

One step at a time. Thank you for stopping by and sharing some of your lived experience with me. I will tell Abby that you are cheering her on!

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Geraldine A. V. Hughes's avatar

Absolutely brilliant💥

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Simone Senisin's avatar

Doubly brilliant, l back Geraldine 🥰,

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Awwww thank you! Simone

Your words are medicine

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