Simple Scary Childhool Memories
A couple of weeks ago I read a newspaper article about my childhood dentist, Dr. J Dean Robertson. The article announced that after 63 years he was retiring from pediatric dentistry. He was Oklahoma's first licensed pediatric dentist and the oldest practicing dentist. The article told of how he got into the business after he graduated in 1941. He also took a partner, Dr. Don Haskins, who was my dentist during my teens. I was too busy being in love with the Beatles and the Monkees to even have a clue that they were in cahoots together to get my teeth.
I had so many thoughts running through my head days later after reading the article that I decided to write him a letter. Just a short two and a half page note telling him of my remembrances and wishing him well into his future life.
Dear Dr. Robertson,
Hello. To begin with I'll say that you don't know me, but you used to many years ago. I saw the article in the paper this past Wednesday about you and couldn't believe it. I said, "I know him. He was my first dentist." You have been on my mind ever since I read the article and wanted to tell you how you've been in my life for the past 50 years.
I proceeded to explain that I was only four years old with a mouth full of rotten teeth - bottle mouth syndrome - when my father took me to him. We lived about 25 miles away and there weren't any interstates around at that time to get us there. My dad drove his old car and I stood on the front seat all the way as to not get my pretty dress dirty. I feel that this may be the earliest memory I have about my childhood. I told him how scared I was and I recalled his office to a tee. The Felix the Cat clock scared me to death with his eyes and tail moving. I still can't stand that seeing that clock to this day.
I went on to tell him how he stayed in my life for these 50 past years. My youngest son's orthodontist had a J. Dean Robertson Association award on his wall. I knew it had to be him. I would also think of him every time I drove by the corner where his old office used to be. I told him I was very fortunate that my parents saw to it that I receive the best dental care in the city and that unfortunately I still have a fear of going to the dentist. I thanked him for being my first dentist and wished him the best of health, wealth and happiness for the rest of his life.
Today I received a reply from J. Dean Robertson, DDS, Retired. He thanked me for my letter and kind remarks. He said my remembrances were remarkable! He's not too sure about this life of retirement and he hopes to get used to the change of scenery and enjoy it's new aspects.
This simple pleasure in my life has come full circle.
Ciao!
I had so many thoughts running through my head days later after reading the article that I decided to write him a letter. Just a short two and a half page note telling him of my remembrances and wishing him well into his future life.
Dear Dr. Robertson,
Hello. To begin with I'll say that you don't know me, but you used to many years ago. I saw the article in the paper this past Wednesday about you and couldn't believe it. I said, "I know him. He was my first dentist." You have been on my mind ever since I read the article and wanted to tell you how you've been in my life for the past 50 years.
I proceeded to explain that I was only four years old with a mouth full of rotten teeth - bottle mouth syndrome - when my father took me to him. We lived about 25 miles away and there weren't any interstates around at that time to get us there. My dad drove his old car and I stood on the front seat all the way as to not get my pretty dress dirty. I feel that this may be the earliest memory I have about my childhood. I told him how scared I was and I recalled his office to a tee. The Felix the Cat clock scared me to death with his eyes and tail moving. I still can't stand that seeing that clock to this day.
I went on to tell him how he stayed in my life for these 50 past years. My youngest son's orthodontist had a J. Dean Robertson Association award on his wall. I knew it had to be him. I would also think of him every time I drove by the corner where his old office used to be. I told him I was very fortunate that my parents saw to it that I receive the best dental care in the city and that unfortunately I still have a fear of going to the dentist. I thanked him for being my first dentist and wished him the best of health, wealth and happiness for the rest of his life.
Today I received a reply from J. Dean Robertson, DDS, Retired. He thanked me for my letter and kind remarks. He said my remembrances were remarkable! He's not too sure about this life of retirement and he hopes to get used to the change of scenery and enjoy it's new aspects.
This simple pleasure in my life has come full circle.
Ciao!
posted by Terri | 10:43 AM
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