Nerves rattle yet no dead end

It's Sunday afternoon, and we are glued to the TV coverage of Hurricane Irma as she is barreling down on the Keys. It does nothing to steady my nerves that are building for what is about to happen. We keep busy by fiddling with the old Chevy, writing blog posts, editing images, cooking "butt" for BBQ all day long.
     Len is wacko - yes, I love you, but wacko - when travel arrangements are as fluid and unpredictable as Irma's path, he tends to get a little antsy. We are thinking that we will travel in less than two weeks. I am missing a tooth, and I'm not sure the solitude of my house is a good idea. A two week window for booking flights and securing hotel accommodations gets dicey, to say the least. We are prepared for the cost of the airfare, but we'd like it not to be astronomical. Booking this close to departure always is scary. That's why we always tell you to plan ahead. For us, two weeks is all the "ahead" we have. So, I'm wacko, too.
      We're wacko together. 
     I spoke with Jose at Meza Dental Care on Friday. He is the patient coordinator and is working to make sure everything runs smoothly. From the current x-rays of my mouth to the hotel accommodations to the photography spots we hope to explore, he's doing it all. When I explained to my dentist in Oconee about all the information and forms they require, she said, "They are quite thorough." I liked hearing that for sure. I also liked hearing the x-ray technician feel excitement for what is about to happen. Granted, they aren't the ones receiving the money, but she understands the scope of the work. "I can't wait to see the results," she said. I simply nodded and silently whispered in my head, "Me, too."
     Although Jose was not the one I initially corresponded with last year, the communication with Meza has been the one thing (thus far) that has impressed me most.
     I send an email; within 15 minutes, I have a response. Every question has an answer, and if it takes lots of explanation, he's on the phone with me.
     I like that. Very much. I call it my test of professionalism - the courtesy to respond to my email or calls within a specific time. It amazes me how many professional organizations, businesses, outlets, editors - ignore requests or even a confirmation of acceptance of an email or call. As an editor and a small business owner, I have found that nothing rattles my cage like lack of acknowledgement. And then of course, there's the "it's not my job" or "I was away from my desk" and a multitude of others excuses. There's no room for excuses in business. I don't make it a practice in mine, and I expect the same from others.
    So with my x-rays on their way to Costa Rica, new estimates and a course of treatment should be decided upon the first of this coming week. I expect a call from Dr. Meza, and at that point, we'll give the go-ahead and talk dates. 
      This thing is about to get real.