Great Teeth!

It's Thursday so we are off heartbreak and onto parenting.

As a single mom living in San Francisco, finances are an issue. But, in fact, when I first found out my older son, Hank, has perfect teeth, I didn't think about money.

I thought, this is so great. I've done my part! I have fulfilled my responsibility as a parent! My child has all of his adult teeth, they are perfectly straight, and he has no cavities. If he takes care of his teeth, barring accident or disaster, he will have healthy teeth the rest of his life. It's on him!

A small fraction of the burden of parenting lifted from my shoulders. I could feel it! My shoulders were lighter, there was--and still is every time I think of it--a sense of relief and wonder that suffused my body.

We made it through the teeth! Please, somebody, call ABC News & World Report (I just know somebody out there besides me cares about this important international event!).

And then it hit me. I don't have to come up with $20,000 in orthodontic care. Well, that was a little like dodging a bullet when I didn't know the gun had been fired because, you see, I didn't know how much braces cost and I had never thought to worry about paying for them!

And then I started thinking that if my child has perfect teeth he can go to Harvard, be successful, find a partner and produce a  grandchild or two. How does that sound?

So, you see. I've saved money and am more likely to have grandchildren. (Well, okay, give Hank some credit. He's the one who brushes and flosses each night and, really, without complaining.)

But now I've started to worry about the little one, Jonjo's, teeth. Will they be straight enough to go to Harvard? Or am I out $20,000 and potentially a grandchild?

Please let me know what you think in the comments!