Dear Braces,
When the doctor first told me that you were medically needed
to re-align my jaw, I was completely fine with having you join my teeth. However, the next day I quickly regretted welcoming you. Since then you have
caused me much pain and embarrassment.
I cannot even tell you the number of times that I have
swallowed the tiny rubber bands that accompany you. It has been enough times that I told my
husband that if I ever pass out, to tell the EMTs to look for blockages of rubber
bands in my stomach. Not to mention how embarrassing
it has been to have the rubber bands spring out of my mouth while I am
talking. “Oh, I am sorry. Let me remove that
the rubber band that just shot out of my mouth and landed on your shoulder.” is
certainly not a phrase I have ever had to say in the past. There is also the embarrassment of eating in
public with you. Why do you feel the
need to trap every piece of food I place in my mouth? Why?
Do you know how much insecurity you bring? Do you bring insecurity to all or just
me? It seems that since you have come
along, I have faced the insecurity that once haunted me as a seventh grader. How
do you have that kind of impact on people?
However, I will tell you the silver lining to your presence. God can use anything to bring one closer to
Him…including annoying brackets and wires.
You have caused me to dig deeper in the understanding of who I am. I am not the reflection in the mirror. I am not what the world says. I am defined through Christ alone.
So, although I cannot say that I will miss you once you are
removed from my teeth. I can say that I
appreciate you. I appreciate that you
are working hard to re-align my jaw and I
appreciate that you have taught me the deeper truth of my value in Christ. Even though this is hard for me to say, I
want to say: thank you. Thank you for being you!
Sincerely,
Amy
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Write a letter fun or serious and link it up!
Oh this brings back sooo many memories!! I had braces twice - first time was 2nd-4th grade (complete with head gear) and again for 7th and 8th grade. I know those feelings of insecurity well - but I can only imagine the testing that brings to endure it as an adult!! Great thoughts about going even deeper in finding your worth in Christ!! I think you're beautiful with and without braces!!! Thanks for joining in today!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks Lauren!
DeleteBless your heart Amy! I can only imagine what that would be like! But I have often thought that braces kinda look painful! I am glad that you have found something to be thankful for in the midst of this! God is so good. And all of life can be a learning process when we let the Lord teach us! :)
ReplyDeleteLove, Momma Linda
You are always such an encouragement, Linda! Thank you!
DeleteOh my, you sweet girl. I can not imagine the band shooting off mid conversation. It does kind of crack me up though ;)
ReplyDeleteDmitry once had to wear a band that stretched from one side of his top braces to the opposite side of his lower braces. right in the very front of his mouth. Yeah, that one was fun.
I thought you and Dmitry would get a kick out of that! Fun times! I am totally doing what he did when he got his off. Braces-Off visit to the candy store :) Some day!
DeleteI never had braces but watched two of my brothers go through it. No fun!
ReplyDeleteI had never experienced it before either. No fun indeed. :)
Delete