Hills and valleys

 I talked to my dad 10 days after his stroke. He and my mom were on their way home from golfing. My dad proudly told me an 85 (in the golfing world that's pretty darn good, all things considering). My mom said that every day he is a little better. He's still struggling with reading quickly and misspelling words, but it's getting better. I foresee by the end of the year he will be back to his normal self before his stroke. Last weekend I decorated my house for Christmas, because let's face it we could use a little Christmas cheer a little early this year, huh? 

As for me, well things are what I've expected, hate to say. I had an implant put in a little over a year ago with the permanent crown attached in the beginning of March. To say it has been a difficult road is an understatement. Last weekend I started noticing some pain in the gum above where the crown was and a little pimple like bump there too. Then it went away...then it came back BIGGER. So begrudgingly I called my dentist's office last Wednesday and was seen by my surgeon the same day. His suspicion is that there is something (not sure what) that is up in the gum and implant that is causing the infection, and yes, it is an infection (as I suspected). So I've been on Amoxicillin since Thursday and I go back this upcoming Thursday for my regular dentist to take the crown off and see what's going on underneath. And I know it's an infection because I'm having SO MUCH less pain and the bump went away after a day. It's just my body doesn't take too kindly to amoxicillin in general; on top of being constantly nauseous and having the driest mouth ever, which makes me drink more water which makes me run to the potty frequently! 

On top of all of this my hours at work have changed since we changed providers, so Mondays and Tuesdays are now my long day. It really stinks being in the office till 6 two days in a row, but I have to keep reminding myself it's only temporary. And our covid numbers keep going up...and up...and up. A second lockdown is likely imminent at this point. I keep hoping and waiting for things to go back to normal, but that seems farther and farther away from happening. I try not to let all that has happened with me, my dad and covid get me discouraged, but admittedly some days are more difficult than others. It's defeating constantly having to argue with clients and social media about WHY wearing a mask is important. But Christmas is coming soon, and I will be with my family this year. It's so much more meaningful for all of us.