Dana L. Yeoman, DDS

Dentures and Implants

The Power of a Smile to Change Lives:  Mimi's Story Part 5

The After-Christmas Sales were in full swing and the mall bustled with people happily attacking the ransacked shelves and racks for great bargains.  A flurry of gift cards were burning holes in the pockets of shoppers, which were joyfully used to acquire coveted treasures.  From their booth in the Red Robin, Mimi, her daughter and granddaughter sighed with relief for getting a chance to sit down and take a break from the gleeful chaos surrounding them.

The three generations of ladies already had their portraits in hand and were studying them over tall glasses of strawberry lemonade.

“Wasn’t that a kick?  Our photographer was so much fun.  How does she keep up the humor when there are so many people clamoring for their turn?”

Mimi’s daughter cracked up.  “Are you kidding Mom?  You had us laughing until we nearly cried off all our mascara!  The photographer could hardly keep her concentration with you in the room!”  All three had a good laugh together remembering the recent giggle melt-down scene at the studio.

“Hey Grandma.  You know what I like best about these pictures?  I can see your teeth when you smile.  In all the pictures from before you looked kinda grumpy.”

“Ruthie, hush!”  Ruthie’s mom was a bit horrified, and looked sideways at Grandma Mimi to see if she needed to scold her daughter any further.  Grandma chuckled, and all knew it was okay.  Granddaughters got away with everything.

“Well, Ruthie dear, I'm done being grumpy!  Life’s too short for that nonsense!”  Ruthie and Mimi shared a knowing look that only passes between grandmas and granddaughters who are best friends.

“Have you noticed our smiles match now?  Dr. Yeoman made sure she copied my original smile from when I was young, and now you can see the family resemblance again.”

“Wow, you’re right!”  Both girls studied the photos intently.  “I think you look a lot younger, too.  See how your cheeks and chin line have smoothed out.  You look as if you've had a face lift.  Maybe I should go get Botox so I can keep up with my hot young mom!”  

Mimi rolled her eyes, blushed, and pretended to sock her daughter in the arm, which brought on more uncontrolled laughing.“Funny thing is, only a few days after getting rid of all those infected teeth I suddenly had a whole lot more energy.  I had always felt so lethargic before and I just thought it was part of getting old.  I didn't realize how the infection in my mouth affected me. And after my appointment I only used Advil for a couple of days.”

“Were you scared, Grandma?”  Ruthie's eyes got big.

“Well Sweetie, I was at first.  But everyone is so nice at Dr. Yeoman’s.  It sounds odd, but I enjoy going there to visit all the girls.  They have way too much fun for being a dental office.  I guess since they like to create beautiful smiles, they make sure to give me plenty of opportunity to practice mine!”  Suddenly distracted, Mimi added quietly, “I just wish I had done this sooner.”  

The food arrived and Mimi snapped back to the present, flashing the waiter a dynamite smile.  Catching it, he instantly returned a winning smile back.  Since she was a grandma, she figured she could get away with giving him wink.  Her daughter shook her head in mock-embarrassment.

“It is so good to have my mom back.”

“It’s good to be back, Love.”

The Power of a Smile to Change Lives:  Mimi's Story Part 4 Part 6