Half-Birthday Cataclysm

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes, 10 seconds

Inopportune Events Shake the Foundation of My Life

When I walked into my home, I did my usual routine. I asked Siri to play WNYC-FM, pulled The New York Times from its blue bag, and set the table for the second half of my breakfast. Today, marking the final day of September, I couldn’t help but exclaim to the silent room, “Not a bad stroll to commemorate my half-birthday.” As I removed my Ghost Max 2 walking shoes, I detected an unfamiliar discomfort – a blister, a sensation entirely foreign to me despite my daily walks spanning over three years.

Three days before, following my return from Shabbat Services at Temple Sha’arey Shalom, I proudly proclaimed my vigor. I attributed it to my new shoes, boasting of their APMA Seal of Acceptance and their role in extending my walks. At that moment, I felt robust, full of vitality, and assured that my life’s equilibrium would persist until the end of the month. Subsequently, I settled down to savor the remainder of my breakfast.

I sat at my dining table, reading the newspaper in front of me. I reached for my favorite Chobani blueberry yogurt. As I took a spoonful and savored the sweet flavor, I was surprised to feel a crunchy texture, like I had scooped up a bit of granola. However, as I investigated further, I was taken aback to discover a small piece of a tooth on my spoon.

The discovery of the tooth fragment on my spoon was a jolt. I was taken aback, my mind struggling to comprehend what had happened. As I carefully inspected the tooth fragment, a strange sensation in my mouth drew my attention. Running my tongue over my teeth, I realized there was a gap where the tooth had once been. I went to the bathroom with the tooth fragment clutched, studying my reflection in the mirror, trying to understand the enormity of the situation. The gap in my mouth was so large, while the tooth fragment in my hands was so small.

After securing the tooth fragment in a small sandwich bag, I returned to the kitchen and finished my yogurt. However, unease lingered in the air, refusing to be ignored. I tried to distract myself by reading the newspaper, but my efforts were in vain. A sudden ringing in my right ear interrupted my reading. As I reached up to touch my ear, I realized I could only hear from my left ear. It felt as though my day was rapidly unraveling, leaving me feeling bewildered and deeply concerned.

After leaving a message for my dentist and cleaning the breakfast dishes, I focused on my resilience strategies. This was my first step in addressing the worst morning this year. I also contacted my sons, knowing their support would bolster my resilience. My resilience strategies, which I have honed over the years, include staying connected with loved ones, maintaining a positive outlook, and seeking professional help. These strategies will help me navigate this challenging period of unexpected health issues.

I texted my sons.

Today is my half-birthday! It’s usually just another day, but it held significance five years ago when I had to start dipping into my retirement savings. Turning seventy-five and a half feels different. I lost a tooth, have ringing in one ear, and, for the first time in 1249 days of walking, I have developed blisters. These unexpected challenges, for which I needed to prepare, remind me that aging is not always easy and full of surprises.

IT SUCKS!

A Tight Retainer Gives Me a Temporary Tooth

Dr. Payal Bhatnager, my friendly and professional dentist, welcomed me into her office with a warm smile and said, “Please give me a minute.” It had been a whole week since I lost my tooth, and I was eager to pick up where we had left off. As her first client of the day, I couldn’t help but reflect on the past week. Despite attending the High Holidays and being out and about every day, no one had mentioned my missing tooth. It made me wonder if people were being exceptionally kind or if they hadn’t noticed.

Dr. Bhatnager carefully positioned the retainer in my mouth as I settled into the dental chair. She emphasized the importance of the retainer over a flipper tooth and ensured it fit snugly. She gave me a mirror and allowed me to see how it changed my appearance. Despite the initial discomfort and unfamiliar sensation, I acknowledged that it looked acceptable. She then provided detailed instructions on removing and inserting the retainer, emphasizing the complexity of the process. As I rose from the chair, she cautioned me against wearing the retainer while sleeping or eating.

As I sat in the driver’s seat of my Toyota Prius, I gazed at my reflection in the rearview mirror and contemplated the daunting cost of replacing a missing tooth. After carefully reviewing my dental insurance, I discovered I had only $400 remaining. Unfortunately, it did not cover the implant Dr. Bhatnager recommended as the only solution. I double-checked the directions to my upcoming dermatologist appointment and realized I would arrive early.

I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to pull over at a nearby park for a leisurely walk, not solely for exercise but also to gather my thoughts and devise a plan to navigate this challenging situation. With unwavering determination, I reminded myself of Rabbi Uri‘s inspiring sermon about the importance of conscientious resilience.

He discussed resilience as bouncing back from adversity and learning and growing from the experience. Despite the setbacks of a missing tooth, tinnitus, and blisters, I draw strength from my unwavering support network of family and friends and the solace of reading, worship, and walking. These obstacles are no match for my resilience and determination.

After a pleasant visit with my dermatologist, I returned home and applied some cream to a small area near my eyebrow, close to the hairline, and on my right hand. Feeling hungry, I went into my bathroom, struggling to remove my retainer. Panic started to set in, and I felt tears welling up in my throat as I worried about not being able to get it out. The thought of not being able to eat or sleep was daunting. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, it loosened enough at the back for me to carefully place it in the box my dentist had provided.

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by Stephanie Bishop

I began reading Stephanie Bishop‘s novel, The Anniversary, today. The Anniversary is a brilliantly written novel with a gripping and fast-paced storyline. It poses some interesting questions: how blurred is the boundary between reality and fiction in a writer’s thoughts? How can we reject those we yearn for? And what are the consequences for ourselves, others, and our creativity if we don’t?

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The Anniversary is highly recommended for readers who enjoy Lisa Halliday and Susan Choi’s works. The story revolves around a talented writer who has to confront the unresolved death of her spouse and find the courage to stand on her own. It is a captivating page-turner that will keep you hooked till the end.


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Read: October 2024

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Sing, Unburied, Sing

by Jesmyn Ward

I started reading Jesmyn Ward‘s novel Sing, Unburied, Sing today. The New York Times selected it as one of the best books of the 21st century and awarded it the National Book Award. According to The New York Times, Jesmyn Ward‘s historic second National Book Award winner is “perfectly poised for the moment.” It’s an intimate portrait of three generations of a family and an epic tale of hope and struggle.

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Described as a majestic and unforgettable family story, ‘Sing, Unburied, Sing‘ is rich with Ward‘s distinctive, lyrical language. As noted by The Philadelphia Inquirer, her unique narrative style takes readers on ‘an odyssey through rural Mississippi’s past and present.’

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Read: October 2024

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Clean: A Novel

by Alia Trabucco Zerán

Today, I delved into the unique narrative of ‘Clean: A Novel‘ by Alia Trabucco Zerán, translated by Sophie Hughes. This compelling novel, shortlisted for the Femina Etranger and Medicis Etranger Prizes, unfolds the story of a maid who has witnessed a lot and a family on the brink of collapse. The narrative is centered around a young girl’s death, with the family’s maid being the critical witness under interrogation, tasked with recounting the events leading up to the tragedy.

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The School for Good Mothers

Read: February 2023

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The School for Good Mothers

by Jessamine Chan

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The School for Good Mothers had been on my book list since the middle of last year. I recommend it without reservations! Jan would have already read it, and we would be debating its fine points.

The Goodreads summary provides an overview,

In this taut and explosive debut novel, one lapse in judgement lands a young mother in a government reform program where custody of her child hangs in the balance.

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Faced with the possibility of losing Harriet, Frida must prove that a bad mother can be redeemed. That she can learn to be good.

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The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.

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Read: October 2022

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The Furrows: A Novel

by Namwali Serpell

The Furrows: A Novel by Namwali Serpell is a bold exploration of memory and mourning that twists unexpectedly into a story of mistaken identity, double consciousness, and the wishful—and sometimes willful—longing for reunion with those we’ve lost. Namwali Serpell’s remarkable new novel captures the uncanny experience of grief, the way the past breaks over the present like waves in the sea. I highly recommend this book.

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The Goodreads summary provides an overview,

Cassandra Williams is twelve, and her little brother Wayne is seven. One day, an accident happens when they’re alone together, and Wayne is lost forever. Or so it seems. Though his body is never recovered, their mother, unable to give up hope, launches an organization dedicated to missing children. Their father leaves and starts another family somewhere else.

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The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.

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I receive a commission when you buy a book or product using a link on this page. Thank you for supporting Sharing Jan’s Love blog.

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Read: October 2024

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Dogs and Monsters: Stories

by Mark Haddon

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