Day 11 - A Dental Surprise

On Thursday I went to the dentist. This was a regular check-up; x-rays, cleaning, that sort of thing. My surprise came when I noticed there would be a new dental hygienist working with me. Jennifer has been there since I first started coming in. Today, no Jennifer. Meet Jean.

Jean was great. She performed all the tasks required in a painless manner - you can't ask for more than that. She was also a wonderful conversationalist. This is a little more tricky since the purpose of the visit is to poke around inside my mouth with sharp instruments. Let's just say the conversation was fairly one-sided.

And by listening, I learned some things. Jean has returned to Abilene after having evacuated from the New Orleans area. She and her family are victims of Hurricane Katrina. She shared stories of dreadful loss (a two-story home flooded halfway up the first floor), abandoned neighborhoods, and help that has come as if by angels. Her story is tragic. And majestic.

In the midst of her loss she has found a way to see the positive. A new town that has opened its arms wide. A new job with a former employer (where, according to Jean, it feels like family). And a group of strangers from varying Christian backgrounds that has come alongside for support and friendship.

Jean, you were a surprise. And an inspiration.