An Orthodontist Appointment after a Visit to Folsom Prison

Orthodontist appointment

This morning I knew I was supposed to take one of my sweet granddaughters to her orthodontist appointment, but what I didn’t know is how complicated it would be.

My day always starts with drinking coffee and watching my puppies run around. I knew what time I was supposed to take my granddaughter to her orthodontist appointment so I made sure and took a shower, washed my hair and put on clean clothes. I didn’t want anyone thinking my grandchildren have a Nana that looks like one of Carol Burnett’s characters every day….just part of the time!.

Even though I had plenty of time when I started getting ready several things happened at the last minute that caused me to run late. I called the orthodontist office and told them that I was very sorry but I wasn’t going to be on time. They said they understood.

When I started driving to Glasgow I realized I was past empty on fuel. Stopped at Hunley’s Store, got a few gallons and was on my way. Finally made it to the granddaughter’s school and realized they are in the middle of a major construction project and I didn’t know where to go or how to find my granddaughter. Tried calling my daughter to ask for directions, no luck. Tried calling my son-in-law. No luck, but he did call back and tell me he would call the principal of the school.

Once I finally found a place to park I realized there was an 8 foot fence around the school. By now I was VERY late to the orthodontist appointment and I knew I had to hurry. I started walking around the school and trying to decide where I was going to scale the fence to break into this Folsom Prison of a school. I’m not the strongest Nana in the world but I’m tall and I knew I could do it.

Right as I picked the place to start climbing someone said, “Can I help you?”

It was the school security guard, Mr. Pickett. He used to be Sheriff and my husband knew him well and always spoke kindly of him.

“Yes,” I yelled, “I’m trying to get my granddaughter to the orthodontist and I can’t figure out how to find her.”

He motioned for me to come closer. I did and he pointed to a metal box. “Push the button and tell them who you want, why you want them and who you are.”

I held the button down and spoke into the box. Mr. Pickett’s radio blared. “Will you tell whoever is trying to talk to us to let go of the button when she talks. We can’t understand a word she’s saying.”

He smiled at me and I tried again. The lady inside replied, “Sure, we will send her out just have your I D ready and then you can leave.”

I looked at the time on my phone. I was going to be really late.

Proud Nana Moment

While we waited for my granddaughter Mr. Pickett told me a story. He said that he eats lunch at the same time my granddaughter does most days, so they talk a lot. He said that he doesn’t eat chicken so he eats a lot of ham sandwiches. One day he accidentally dropped his sandwich on the floor. Within minutes my granddaughter had gone to the lunch ladies to buy him a new sandwich with her snack money. She’s only in 4th grade.

He didn’t let her buy it but he did get tears in his eyes as he told me about it (so did I).

We were really late to the dentist and I could tell the gal was perturbed. I looked at her ring finger. Not married. Very young. Probably doesn’t have kids or a clue how crazy my life is.

I shouldn’t have been late and I apologized, but It didn’t matter.

My granddaughter got most of the dental work she was supposed to have done today at her orthodontist appointment. I got to spend time with her and all day long I’ve thought about Mr. Pickett and his ham sandwich.

What we adults tend to forget is that it doesn’t take something BIG to make a difference in someone’s life. Even a small act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s day. And it’s an even sweeter gift on days that don’t run smoothly.

Share A Random Act of Kindness Today

Open a door for someone, pay someone a compliment, give someone unexpected a smile or a hug.

One small act of kindness at a time can change the world.

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