She asked for your hand. You gave her your trust.
Bluey plays on the TV in front of us, but you take a moment to learn about the tools she’s presenting. Your palm lies open, and she talks about air and water.
“This little button will blow air, like this!”
You grin at the cool air on your skin. Unexpected, cool, and exciting. She then tells you about the water button.
“The butterfly button is for water! Let’s drop a bit in here.”
Again, you trust her. Your hand rests on hers. Easy. Calmed.
A little drop of water appears, and I see your cheeks push up from a bigger smile. Then, she shows you another device that will suction the water. You notice the purple and the sparkles.
“This one will drink the water, watch! Woosh!”
Your eyes look up at hers, and your trust grows another inch. Which is good, because she will need it for the cleaning that follows.
I feel your body melt into the seat below us. You lie on me—your head on my chest, your legs tucked between mine. There’s no fear, just curiosity. You watch her closely as she explains every item, every step. Her voice sweet and inviting.
She counts your teeth, cleans here and there, and guides you through what her hands are doing inside your mouth with those shiny metal wands. I watch out for signs of “I’m done with this,” but your body does not tense. You are still okay with all of this.
When she’s done, you pull my arm over your belly, holding me with both of your hands. I tell you how great you were and how much cleaner your teeth are now. I remind you how fun these dentist visits can be. You squeeze me a bit without looking away from Bluey and Bingo.
When they announce it’s all over, you jump up and ask, “Can I get a ducky?”
You remember these visits, you know there’s a dental goodie bag and an extra surprise once it’s done. And what a surprise it is, your new toothbrush has Anna and Elsa on it. Oh my.
On our way out, you hold the bag and my hand. We stop at the water fountain we saw on our way in. You ask us to come close, and we do. Sitting and watching the water for a few minutes, I feel grateful that your story in that chair will be softer than mine was.
Start with a Story 
You really capture the way Elena invites you to take things more slowly the fountain and see it all from her perspective. How lucky she is!
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This is written so beautifully. I love how the perspective I had when I started reading turned out to be completely wrong. Also, I wonder what kind of witchcraft is behind Bluey… It’s the only thing that calms my dogs during storms 😂 way to go, Elena!
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I love the way you have crafted this post, almost as a letter directed to your daughter. Use of the “you” changes the perspective…like Mama always having an eye on her precious cargo. Your eyes capture all of the details…and it’s like I see this visit through you. I love this craft move!
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What a memory this often-traumatic visit can be with your deft description. I love, “I watch out for signs of’I’m done with this,’ but your body does not tense.” for You have taken us along for every soft-landing moment. Love that Bluey!
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I had forgot what these visits were like- captured perfectly. She rocked it, and that always makes it better for moms!
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Wow Elena!! She is so full of bravery. I love how we discovered we were all at the dentist once you talked about her teeth. Also, as an adult, I would love this same experience!
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Oh! I remember these moments, sweating under that body…looking for the signs. Your girl did amazing. You captured this moment so beautifully. It brought me right back.
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I’m one of those weirdos who loves the dentist (I’m going tomorrow and I can’t wait!) and this little slice of Elena’s time at the dentist and how gentle and creative and wonderful it was made me so so so happy.
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