Bumps in the journey. . .

...and so the appointments continue.

Nothing ever unfolds exactly as we anticipate; of this I'm certain.  It will be better or worse, or take a totally unexpected turn.  I "limped" through the week end with a temporary protective filling on what was left of my fractured molar while I considered the options I had been given. On Sunday morning as I reflected on the previous day over coffee, I was jolted from my contentment by a "rock" in my apple bread.  The "rock," as it turned out, was my temporary filling.  (Temporary is right; I had had it since Wednesday.)  And I had been so careful with it!  "Thank goodness tomorrow is Monday," I thought, anticipating that this latest "bump" in my journey would be behind me within just a few days.  "Maybe even by Monday afternoon," I let myself hope.  

Ha!  

First of all, my dentist is away until Thursday.  Second of all, I will most likely be referred to an oral surgeon (in yet another city) because of the affected area's proximity to my sinuses.  Then, who knows when that appointment will be?  As I stare at my calendar, I can't help feeling a bit anxious about how the next few weeks will unravel.  Will *I* unravel?  Wouldn't it make more sense if there were a central location where the oral surgeon, the eye surgeon, the dermatologist,  the periodondist, and the dentist could all attend to me simultaneously?  Wouldn't it be great to wake up and have the molar fixed, the cataract gone, the skin spots gone, and the implant in place...all at the same time?

Remember "Gunsmoke" - ?  Whatever was ailing anybody, unless the local barber could take care of it, the afflicted one would climb those outside stairs (or be carried) up to Doc Adams' office and Old Doc took care of them.  I'm not saying that would be my preference now.  I rather like the idea of an anesthesia that is slightly more effective than whiskey!  And the mortality rate was higher then, I'm sure.  But at least, back in those days, they didn't have to wonder which direction to head in.

It's amazing how mankind has used the gifts God has given in order to care for one another!  I am awed!  Despite all the negativity we are continually bombarded with, there is, oh, so much goodness to be thankful for!  I, for one, am grateful to live in this particular time and place.

...but I'm still looking forward to putting this "appointment maze" behind me.