Sometimes we get patients referred to us for minor adjustments. Most of the time, it's for bigger cases but once in a while. there's a fun one or two. So, this patient somehow locked his jaw while eating or sleeping. He said he woke up unable to close his mouth properly to eat for 2 days before he saw his dentist. He was not in severe pain but it was getting worse each day. His dentist does not deal with TMJ issues so referred him to us. 
I like these cases because sometimes it's a quick 2 mins fix. But with this patient, his pain was getting worse so his fear elevated to a level he's not accustomed to.
I could see him sweating in my chair as he tries to close it himself. He could not relax enough for me to just move his jaw up and down. There was an amount of resistant that I could not distract him from. So I kept talking and massaging his face to relax. After 20 mins., we were both tired. He kept apologizing for his inability to relax his face. I told him it was understandable as I'm not his dentist. Trust takes time. Then right when I sensed he was more relaxed, I was able to get him to close properly in occlusion. I wish I had taken a picture of his face when he realized his teeth were touching evenly. The confusion on his face, his jaw opened and closed on its own, the realization that the problem is fixed, the amazement  in his eyes, and look of relief on his face. He quietly asked if he was "normal" again. I told him I believe so. I took another x-ray to confirm his condyle is in its normal position. He was so grateful. 
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We have this patient, who works in tech and is an excellent cook. His specialty is bread making and I wish I can show you how beautifully round this rye bread is. 
When he first came in, it was awkward but informative. He had a lot to say and even more questions to ask. To literally start over with his dental biases, I asked about his hobby. Since then, he's been bringing in beautifully shaped breads with the perfect amount of crispy crust and inside meat softness. The best part is that it's fresh from the oven. So sincerely yummy. It's one of my favorite breads now. 
I eat a handful before I go into the operatory to work on him. We catch up with me yelling from the back office and him responding loudly from the chair. Then when I'm done with him and Bob takes over, I go back for another piece and we continue our yelling back and forth. Who knew me enjoying his bread would make his day? He had a rough week. Baking was therapeutic for him. Bob confirms to him that I really do enjoy his bread because I pick at it throughout the day. Sometimes the easiest form of empathy is just enjoying yourself. That simple show of gratitude and pleasure of doing it is all a person needs to see to feel better. Life is rough. You are allowed to enjoy the bread of others' labor because it may help them feel better as well. 

Every now and then I get these handwritten letters and I'm so grateful. I know it's a dying art but I still do it. I write personal notes to my friends, family members and patients. I love getting them in return, too. I get excited and open the letters immediately. Last week, I received a note and it touched my heart. There are certain patients who I'm the "older sister" to even though we're only a year or two apart. As a dentist, I don't always get to deliver good news but with time, I find myself getting better at it. 
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On the weekends, I like to go on my morning walk for fresh air and the coolness of the morning sun. My goal is to get in at least 5 miles or 10,000+ steps to keep my body agile and healthy. Old age and all the health issues women have to deal with make it harder to maintain our weight, much less lose weight. I listen to podcasts, news or blast my music to get my second wind in to achieve my goal. I love Saturdays because so many people are out with their activities and the atmosphere is lively. I love Sundays too, because it's quiet and calm. I admire the houses and their landscapes. The different colors in nature are more beautiful than a painting, especially when you could look at its size up close. The walk not only keeps me healthy physically but also mentally. I don't really listen to the podcasts or the news; they're background noises. But I do enjoy my music while my mind enjoys the moment. There is something to be said about walking in the morning with the cold air against your face. This is one of the reasons why I look forward to the weekends.