My teeth screamed. I couldn't neglect them any longer.
I finally ignored my fear of dentists and decided to get
them fixed. But how? I was a college sophomore and barely
supported myself with part-time jobs.
Maybe I could fix the worst one. I flipped open the
Yellow Pages and called the first dentist within walking
distance. The receptionist told me to come right over. As I
hurried across the campus, I forgot the pain in worrying
about how I would pay the bill.
In a few minutes I was in a chair being examined by a
dentist who said, "Hmm!" as he surveyed the wreckage of my
mouth. "Your teeth are in bad shape."
"I already know that," I snapped, in a smart-aleck way
to hide my fear.
"But don't worry, I'm going to fix them."
"No, you're not. I can't afford to pay you." I started
climbing out of the chair.
"What are you doing?"
"I told you, I have no money."
"You're a student at the university, aren't you?"
What difference did that make? "Yes..."
"You're going to graduate in a few years, aren't you?"
"I hope so."
"And then you expect to get a job, don't you?"
"That's my plan."
"Well, then you'll pay me. Meantime, you concentrate on
your classes and leave the dentistry to me."
I stared at him. He really meant it. He calmly picked
up his tools and fixed the aching cavity.
From that day on, I saw him every week until my teeth
were in good shape. And he kept them that way with regular
checkups. After graduation, I got a job and settled his bill
in a few months.
In the 40 years following, I've learned to call this
man a "woodwork angel." These are strangers who appear out
of nowhere - out of the woodwork - when I need help. They've
lent and given me money, materials or equipment; they've
taught me skills and helped me organize groups; sometimes
they've rescued me from danger or making a big mistake. So,
dentist dear, wherever you are, bless you and thank you
again!
