77 made me a cheerleader
Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost. ~Helen Keller
77 on the sideline waiting for the call
I am not a cheerleader nor have I ever been. The closest I ever came to being labeled as such was when my son lumbered onto the field as the starting offensive lineman for the Social Circle Redskins while my fierce howls simultaneously rang out from the grandstands for Number 77. Screams continued the entire time 77 remained on the field. I knew I had gone too far when I watched my son arrive back at the bench, immediately turn around, and with his forefinger, slice his throat—the universal symbol for “cut it out.”
I made no apologies. Proud was an understatement. And no, I didn’t stop—that game or the next—even though I got the slice. When there’s something that makes every muscle, nerve, vocal cord in your body swell with excitement, you can’t keep it to yourself.
Like now. A year ago I found myself in a quandary or rather a quandary with failing teeth. Childhood was the last time I had a full set of choppers, and now, what I did have was biting the dust. Since dental issues are considered cosmetic and insurance does not cover the procedures I needed, it—meaning upwards of $80K— would all be out of pocket. With that monumental information guiding my decision, do I follow the pack, have the work completed here, and enjoy bankruptcy? Or, do I discover an alternative that will put my welfare, my health, my future, my family and myself first above all else? I chose the latter.
Through hours of extensive research, checking references, reading reviews, making phone calls and saying prayers, I found Meza Dental in Costa Rica. At one-quarter of the price, they offered me life, hope and a new smile. As any good Southerner would be, I was skeptical, even after all the digging and talking. And then, I remembered mama saying, “Have faith, and if you’re doing it for the right reason, it will all work out in the end.”
And so it did. One week in September. Two weeks in March. A lifetime of smiles.
Many have asked how I could do such a thing. Weren’t you scared? Well, of course I was. How could you go to a foreign country? Once you know the facts, they pave the way. Although some professionals have shunned me for making such an unconventional move, I simply smile and applaud the opportunity of choice and for both sides making the choice so crystal clear. I will always be a Meza cheerleader.
In making an effort, I crafted a brighter future for myself. As Helen Keller said, “No effort is ever lost.” Every morning, I look into the mirror and smile and remind myself just how cool it would have been to have had these pearly whites while screaming for Number 77. I’ll just have to make up for lost time!
