Be Kind

Today I was thinking about the sudden passing of my younger last June, which still affects me. While pondering his death, two thoughts came to mind: Every day hold the ones you love close to you. Tell and show them in every way how much you love and care, for you don't know when it will be your last opportunity to do so.
The other thought that was impressed upon my mind is simply. . .  be kind. When others stress you. . . be kind. When your children or grandchildren try your patience. . . be kind. When others are mean, nasty, and offensive, be kind. Don't let others by their insolence dictate your actions. Instead be kind. Don't join the crowd in mocking or bullying others. . . choose to be kind.
Looking back at the times I was inconsiderate to my younger brother, at opportunities missed to tell him I loved him, I'm filled with the pangs and sorrow of regret, sometimes to tears. So please in all you do. . . be kind.

Dr. Mengele the Dentist

After a couple of hours in Dr. Josef Mengele lll, 24 hour dental office last night, I've sworn never again to put off dental work until it becomes a late night emergency. First, the guy wouldn't numb me enough to totally block the pain, and considering he performed two root canals and two extractions on me, well, let's just say more than once, while drilling and pulling on my teeth, he had to peel me off the ceiling like one of those cartoon cats when a big ole bulldog sneaks up on it and lets out a loud, ferocious bark. I mean, ten minutes into this routine and I was spilling my guts about every little family secret I could remember in hopes that he would stop torturing me. And he was about as gentle as a rodeo bull with his hoohaws tightly bound to his stomach with a leather strap. Second, his dental assistant (and boy do I use that term loosely) had absolutely no experience, but she was gaining it . . .on me! I swear, one time she had the suction tube so deep in my mouth she pulled up last night's Lean Cuisine! Another time she practically sucked my tongue, fillings, and teeth right out of my mouth. Well, two hours, two teeth, and $1,700.00 later, the good doctor finished his business with me. As I was leaving he told me to make a follow up appointment. Riiiiggghhhht, getting me to go back there would be about as easy as, well, pulling teeth--I can't believe I said that.