Doc

I just wrote a Dear John letter to my dentist. We had been together for 25 years, and I absolutely loved him. Sadly, as is common in many long term relationships, he can no longer meet my needs.

I am making light of it, but it really is a loss. Of all the losses that come with ALS, I never anticipated that one of them would be my relationship with Mark “Doc” Nordlie, dentist extraordinaire. As amazing as he is, I now need more specialized care. I have a wicked gag reflex, as well as shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing. I also need to be able to stay in my power wheelchair during the cleaning, both for stability, and also because my communication device is attached. I’m certain that the wheelchair would not fit in any of the stations.

I never discussed these developments with Doc, so, in truth he might feel that he and his team would be able to provide what I need. While I would love visiting with Doc and the staff post pandemic, I don’t want to go to the office as a patient who can’t move or speak. Seeing Doc for dental care is one of those experiences I would rather preserve as a memory of my able bodied self.

I feel that way about a lot of places that hold a strong attachment for me. Eastham, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, is my favorite place in the whole world. I would rather enjoy my memories of staying at the cottage on the pond, swimming at First Encounter Beach, and eating lobster, than going now and staying someplace ADA compliant, watching other people swim, and eating through my feeding tube.

I know that it’s possible to enjoy a place just by being in it. I do feel that way about some places. But I am also learning that I can do a lot of living in my memory and imagination. That includes reliving wonderful memories of going to the dentist.