I recently had pretty major gum surgery. To be more specific, it was a four-hour procedure requiring stitches throughout my upper and lower gums, and covering the roof of my mouth. It wasn’t as bad as childbirth, but definitely wasn’t a walk in the park either. It wasn’t great. But, you know what was great – the fact that my Mom came up from Southern California for three whole days to help me get through the aftermath.
I didn’t think I would need that much help. I thought the surgery wouldn’t be that rough, and the recovery wouldn’t be that difficult. Riiiiiiiight.
When I woke up the morning of my surgery, nothing made me feel more secure than knowing that my Mom was with me. She drove me to the Periodontist’s office, and even sat and waited through the entire four hour procedure. I think even the ladies working the front desk in the office were surprised that she was going to stay for the entire length of the surgery, but she settled in nicely with her phone charger and proceeded to read all 32 magazines in the waiting area.
When the surgery was over, my Mom drove me home and put me to bed. Over the next two and a half days, she managed my four children effortlessly and lovingly, all while making sure that I had enough to eat, enough to drink, was resting and taking my medication. She played with my babies, did laundry, prepared meals, and even gave me a good laugh every now and again – even though I wasn’t supposed to laugh.
I almost cried when my Mom left to head home. I am sure her visit was plenty long enough for her, but in her absence I suddenly felt the way I had felt when she left after helping me after the birth of my babies – how would I do it all without her? The thought of getting back to my real life without her by my side in that moment was terrifying. I didn’t feel ready for it yet.
Luckily though, I was over the hump. Deep down, I knew that, and my Mom knew that too. I was healing more every day, and was able to slowly re-enter our daily life, taking it easy one day at a time.
Sometimes, you just need your Mom. And I am so grateful to mine for helping me when I needed it most. I am always stronger when she’s with me.
