I would like to share a wonderful blog from a friend and colleague, Lori Sours. She was a contributor to our book. Read on:

Two weeks ago, I got braces. I’ve wanted this for at least 40 years, but it never seemed the right time. I thought about it when I was 20, but financed a semester in France instead. I smiled my crooked smile all across Europe. Then there was a move to the East and graduate school. After that, there was a move to a new city and embarking on a new career. After that, marriage, then a young family, living on one small salary, then a move to the West.

And then…..a cancer diagnosis in 2000. During my treatment year, having straight teeth was the furthest thing from my mind. Well, it actually WAS in my mind, vaguely, but it seemed like a superficial thing to “want.” I wanted to get well and stay well, and having straight teeth seemed irrelevant.

Now I’m approaching my 13th anniversary as a cancer survivor. I’m feeling positive about the future. I take good care of myself and am always developing and refining my wellness plan. My family is in a good place. And while there’s really no great time to take on the expense of braces, this is as good a time as any.

So, I was braced up shortly after my 58th birthday. The treatment should take 15 months. By the time I’m 60, I’ll have straight teeth. My dentist assures me that it isn’t just cosmetic. There are real health reasons to go forward with straight teeth, including healthy gums and bones and even heart health. Thirteen years ago, I didn’t allow myself to think about my 60s and 70s. For a few years after my treatment, I was pretty obsessed with doing what I could to prevent a cancer recurrence. Then I eased up on that, as the years have passed, and broadened my view of wellness as I moved into and through my 50s.

My braces are constant reminders that I’m not only treating myself to something that’s always been on my “to do” list, but also putting another piece of my long-term health plan in place.

And on a lighter note, it will be fun to have straight teeth!