By Sue Anganes

My youngest, Teddy, had his braces put on the beginning of this month. It was probably one of Ted’s most exciting days ever. He had been looking forward to the event for weeks (possibly years) and even shot a documentary of his trip to the orthodontist on the morning of the big event. Because Ted is the youngest in the family, I think in his mind, having braces placed him in the same league as his older brothers and sisters. He was finally one of the big kids.

Ted did not complain once about the braces. His older brother, Charlie, had warned him ahead of time that his mouth would feel like it had “gnomes climbing up his cheeks with ice picks,” but Ted didn’t seem to mind. He was oblivious to the pain. He had ice cream and pudding the first day, brushed his teeth numerous times with his new toothbrush, and was happy as a clam.

This was a big milestone in Teddy’s life. I don’t remember it being as much so in his siblings. It was a big milestone in my life also. Ted is the last of six kids who needed braces. I am done paying for orthodontic treatments. I will now look into finding myself a new (newer) car!