My New-Found Community

Yesterday I wrote a brief summary of the book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst. We used the book frequently in the Yokefellow Birthright Tutoring ministry some years back and I’ve often told Alexander’s “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” story when attempting to minister to those who have had their own “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” experiences.  Haven’t we all had such days?  Summarizing Alexander’s story yesterday morning was my futile attempt to “coddle myself” and “booster my spirit” before going for an “Apicoectomy,” to be administered by my new-found periodontist friend.  Like Alexander, I’m really a “softie” (a whimp) when it comes to facing the unknown, especially when the unknown has a name like “Apicoectomy!” The very name implies the possibility of a “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” for me.

I was introduced to my new periodontist friend (“the Gum Guy”) through my fairly recent connection with my endodontist friend (“the Rotor Rooter Guy”).  I was introduced to The Rotor Rooter Guy by my regular dentist friend (“the Gentle Guy”).  Isn’t it wonderful how “community” is born?  One friend leads to another and then to another—and community happens “wherever two or three are gathered.”  In these recent days it seems I have entered into a new community and it includes the Gentle Guy, the Rotor Rooter Guy, the Gum Guy, all of their assistants, receptionists, and me.

This new community of which I’ve become a part is a “Community of Purpose.”  It is a community of people trying to achieve an objective (my dental health).  They serve a functional purpose, smoothing my path, attending to my specific need, and connecting me with the right person who can help me.  The Gentle Guy tried to help, but realized the problem went beyond his expertise, so he introduced me to the Rotor Rooter Guy who did his best root canal that just didn’t quite do the trick.  He, in turn, referred me to the Gum Guy who did the Apicoectomy yesterday. 

Yesterday was a “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” for me.  The procedure by the Gum Guy hurt—hurts now—and will probably hurt tomorrow.  The hope is, however, that it will accomplish its purpose—my dental health. It takes a “community” to get things done, to make things right, to heal, and to care.  In spite of all the “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Days” we all experience,  a community (even the Gentle Guy, the Rotor Rooter Guy, and the Gum Guy with all their associates) can make all the difference and I’m grateful.