The family enjoys a sweet treat after a trip to the dentist

I stood next to my 13-year-old as I watched her novocaine start doing its work. "Watching you on that chair is in a sense worse than being there myself," I told her. "Shall I hold your hand?"

"My feet." I touched her feet; they felt chilling cold, probably from the stress her body was feeling.

She meekly opened her mouth as the dentist carefully filled a cavity before pulling the two teeth that needed to be extracted to make room for permanent teeth that were trying to find their proper place in the row. My tummy felt a tad squeamish as I watched the instruments go to and from her mouth. Dentist visits had never been among my favorites, but I have found that there are few things more difficult than sitting there for a good while enduring discomfort that would be sure to leave in a couple of hours or even days.

A tad over three years ago I had been scheduled to have wisdom teeth cut out. It had been of utmost importance for me to have Daniel by my side after a former experience with having wisdom teeth cut out that hadn’t been so pleasant. It had been close to 12 years after that day, and I had resolved to never go without him again when it comes to cutting teeth. Well, it turned out the appointment to get out those last two wisdom teeth was the day after I had watched my husband go through untold pain and then pass on.

I had a friend call in to cancel that appointment. Cutting teeth were off the list for some time. About a year later I walked through those doors. There was no husband as I had resolved there would be. There was Someone bigger, stronger, and even more capable of bringing comfort and soothing my spirit. As I sat on that chair with my little travel Bible on my lap, I knew it was really okay. I had been covered by the presence of a God in heaven.

Today Hosanna, who is my naturalist when it comes to nursing skills, watched every move the dentist made. Joshua, by her side, was concerned that he would miss seeing the tooth being extracted as he kept asking, "When are they taking the tooth out?" They both got as up close as they could to watch the procedure. Joshua held out his hand and slipped it into Julia's. It was just too cute. My heart melted. Maybe my boys were catching on to what they have been hearing, that God really did make boys to protect girls and be there for them!? I wondered if that teaching may be finding a place to take root as he experiences the rewards firsthand of caring for someone vulnerable. His eyes blinked with importance as a slight smile played on his lips as I praised him for looking out for his sister.

I am reminded of a young man in our community who was diligently taught by his mother to protect his sisters; today he is married and has a little son. You know, there's no one who reminds me so much of Daniel when it comes to loving his wife. You can just feel his tenderness toward her. His wife will forever be blessed. There is no doubt that his mother understood the natural tendency of boys teasing girls, and then channeling it into something of value and importance. I would love to talk with her one day, and learn more from her.

According to our family tradition we stopped for ice cream after Julia's teeth were taken care of. What's better than a cold treat after dental work?

And if you are into making ice cream yourself, do take the time to try my mom's latest recipe. We like it a lot. I am eager to try it as soon as we get our new counter top ice cream freezer we bought in honor of Daniel. Maybe more on that later; now it's time to head for bed.

Easy Ice Cream

1 Tbl. unflavored gelatin

1 egg (optional)

3/4 cup cane sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

2 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 cups milk

Stir gelatin in 1/4 cup cold water, then heat to boiling, stirring all the time. Remove from heat, add remaining ingredients. Whisk all together. Pour in a 2 quart freezer. Freeze and enjoy!