Well, tomorrow’s the big day when I get my “flippers”! So, ok, they’re just temporary retainers; I can’t eat or sleep in them; and the teeth affixed to them don’t really look like teeth. But my mouth won’t be collapsing in on itself and I’ll be able to go out of the house, so who cares about all that other stuff, right?

I have to admit: I’m a little nervous. My last few dental appointments have been extremely painful, so it’s hard not to feel a little afraid of getting in that chair again. On top of that, he’s already warned me that my gums are still going to hurt for a while, so I can’t wear the flippers for long periods of time.

I am really, really looking forward to the day when my mouth doesn’t hurt anymore.

Thanks to your contributions, the Fang Fund has reached $7,959.42 — which means that it’s almost entirely full! Your generosity has been amazing, and I am so very thankful to all of you. Tomorrow when I put those flippers on for the first time, whether they hurt or not, I am going to be smiling and it’s all because of you!