Evidence at the dentist?

We have been hosting an international student from China the past two years. When she first came to us, she was just 15, brave and bold. Can you imagine leaving your home country, culture and language at the tender age of 15? Me, neither.
Elena does not complain about anything (except boys and crushes), and tries to power through colds, short nights, and allergies. She has an adventurous spirit and LOVES to try new foods. A true foodie, this one. When she tries a new flavor, texture or new take on an old favorite, she looks like she is in heaven ... angels dancing on her tongue. Over the last few days, however, she has not been her usual exuberant self. She eats slowly, saying that her back teeth hurt, and smiling. "I'm ok! Don't worry about me!"
When our food warrior would barely eat mashed potatoes and turned down a chocolate chip cookie, we knew it was time.

"Let me look in your mouth." My husband has worked with dental health access and issues for many years ... he's seen it all.

Elena's gums were swollen, with flaps of tissue hanging over 4 white wisdom teeth. "You need to see a dentist. Like right away."
Elena looked shocked. She had been to a dentist in China, but not in a long time.
"We're not going to get her in to see a dentist for days!" My husband is very much a realist, which is wonderful and keeps us safe, bills paid, insurance up to date, etc.

I am a good balance to him: It is my daily mission to put positive energy into the world. I regularly thank the universe for the miracles around me... the little buds coming up out of the wet muddy earth, the osprey that flew over me yesterday, calling as if to say hello.
I put my energy into the possibilities. I ask for help and guidance to get people the support they need.
"Universe, guides, whomever... thank you for opening whatever pathways are needed to get Elena to see the dentist by tomorrow morning. And if she needs more than that, it would be great if she could get to the oral surgeon right away, too. I have the day off of work and she is taking the day off school... so if it's in her highest and best interest, let's just put it all in the same day! Thanks."

First thing yesterday morning I called our dentist, who is usually booked out weeks or months in advance.

"We can see her first thing tomorrow!" The clinic manager sounded surprised. "We just had a cancellation and the doctor has plenty of time." Wow, that's fortuitous.

Elena went to school, and had nothing but clear soup for dinner. Her cheeks were warm and puffy.
This morning we got the youngers off to school and headed to the dentist. Elena was still humble. "Maybe I can take the bus home. You can go to work!"

"No, no, no. We will get you taken care of. We've got some power on our side. Don't worry. We're good!"

The dentist looked, took an xray, and pointed out on the screen. "see how this tooth is jammed up against the next molar? There is no space for it. And this one? It will not have space to erupt fully. It already has a cavity. It looks like you will have to get them all removed. We can call the oral surgeon, but it will take a while. Maybe you can get in next week?"

Elena looked panicked. She has quarter finals, papers due, and most importantly, her entire senior class goes on a camping trip to the Orcas islands in a week! She can't miss it!

I put my hand on her shoulder. "Breathe, Elena. This is going to work out. It will all happen today." How do I know? Despite the evidence? I have been focusing on my intuition, and I know I have helpers. Over my life, I have realized that I can and do get what I want. Not in that greedy, give me everything way, but when I greet the world with compassion, spread positive energy, and believe in the benevolance of All That Is, things work out.

The hygienist rushed into the dental suite. "The oral surgeon can see you right now! I told them you were just 15 minutes away! It may be just for a consult, but at least they can take the full xray and see what needs to be done."

On the way to the oral surgeon, I remembered some hypnotic preparation for a medical procedure. It would have been great to have a full hour to prepare, to do a full hypnosis, but I got the message that we could do it in the 15 minute drive to the oral surgeon.

"Elena, take a deep breath. Allow yourself to trust the dentist. He knows what he's doing, and whatever the surgeon recommends is for your highest good. You don't have to worry about whether it's the right choice, or what it may cost. The doctor, nurses and staff are there to help your body be healthy, comfortable, and heal quickly. You can safely allow your body to accept the anesthesia, trusting the doctor's training and experience. Your body will release the   teeth with just a little blood loss-enough to cleanse the tissue. You promise to listen to the body's sensations to know what it needs. You felt the pain of your body talking to you, and now you are taking care of it. Further pain is not needed. You promise to pay attention to the small sensations and care for your body before pain is needed. After the procedure, your body will focus its healing energy and immune system to recover. All you need to do is rest and let the magic happen."

"What about school? I have tests and papers due!" She looked panicked.

Such a concerned student. Have I mentioned how glad I am to have a good role model for my girls?

"It will all work out. We will call the school and make arrangments. They know how hard you work." I touched her shoulder. I added some healing energy to the touch. Never hurts!

We got right into the oral surgeon. Paperwork, etc, and she was in for the panoramic xray.

"Yep, you have some impacted wisdom teeth." The doctor pointed to the screen. "No wonder you've been hurting! These will have to come out. If not today, then soon. Have you had anything to eat or drink today? No? Excellent! Usually we consult one day and schedule for next week, but we have had a cancellation. We can do it right now, if you like."

Elena turned to me with a questioning look. "It's all good, Elena. Let's do it. Everything has lined up, so let's take the offering!"

She went in for surgery right then and there. I had enough time to call my husband and the staff came out. "She's all done! She had a lot of firsts today: first trip to the dentist, first xray, first cavity, first anesthesia. And she looks great. The whole procedure went so easily that we are refunding some of the charges."

Seriously! I am not making this up!

"Here's a gift card for Burgerville. Go get her a milkshake. She'll need the energy."

Even through the dwindling anesthesia, Elena beamed. Cherry chocolate milkshake for lunch. Mmmmmmmmmm.

That was 3 hours ago.  We got her prescriptions and talked to the school staff. Of course they were very flexible to let her turn in homework a little later and take her tests on Monday.

Now she is on the couch, drooling a bit and working on her essays. Given the pain pills, I should probably check her final product for coherence!

So the universe, in less than 24 hours, got us all taken care of. That's the flow!