A House Call

So, I began a recent Facebook post with the words, “Maybe I should just blame it all on Will Smith.” But maybe it’s not Will; what if it’s me?

It’s like, since Thursday March 12, 2020 (almost 2-years ago to the day of the 2022 Oscars and the slap heard ‘round the world), I’ve noticed things have changed, including people (I’ve known for over 20-years.) My social media text was a direct response on my page to a seasoned patient behaving totally out of character and then going social asking for new dentist referrals.

But I’m wondering if it’s me, sliding into the role of the most likely common denominator without really knowing it…until now? And yeah, I did bad mouth the Universe in a recent column (I don’t think I’ve done that before), labeled it “bent on revenge” and suited for folks either semi-illiterate or too lazy to pick up a book to find answers. I also labeled “The U” Sicilian and possibly the source of unnecessary vengeful global challenges, dating back to when the good news was the Cubs winning the World series and the bad was an escalator. And yeah again, I’m mostly Sicilian.

And I thought owning a small business and working with two masks, two or three lenses, and a plastic gown while operating with power tools in little places was challenging? Now I’m dealing with insulting the Universe and maybe playing a part in worldwide personality change.

Lately, we’ve had a server, phones, and heating go down all in one day. We’ve hired folks who entertain flexible approaches to showing up. The Giants lost to the dreaded Dodgers on a checked swing, USC lost at home to Oregon State for the first time in 60-years. My American Academy of Clear Aligners Journal editor has gone Stage Red ink, our Leader wore a UCLA t-shirt, and yesterday a compressor went comatose straight outta nowhere. Oh, and it seems I’m now allergic to the original Pollo Bowl.

It had been a while, when times get tough, I call the Dalai Lama; he’s on speed dial. I was overdue for a house call. His Holiness agreed to an audience at the usual place, across the street at El Pollo Loco. We both go vegetarian (now) with extra avocado.

“His Holiness, thank you for your timely visit, I know it’s been a minute, but paranoia strikes deep, into your heart it will creep. I need a friend, a holy man, and a USC fan to help me understand where I fit in today’s world…and in Temple City.”

“Dr. V, I love visiting your peaceful little hamlet. I enjoy the restful harmony that exists when there is absolutely no retail. And c’mon, for the last freakin’ time, will you call me HH?”

“HH, just when my little family away from home was thriving and we were transforming barely humanoid dental arches into healthy, lasting SoCal smiles, we sheltered in solitary confinement. We returned in disguise, as did our patients. And as we gradually emerged from our plastic cocoons, butterflies began stinging like a bee. I think I might be part of the cause.” I need your help.”

“JVB, do you not remain the foremost dentist/scribe/athlete in the entirety of the San Gabriel valley?”

“HH, that’s for others to say…but for the purpose of our conversation, yes, of course.”

“And JVB, does your family exhibit such confidence?”

“HH, the family is fine. I guess I’m the one struggling to retain my confidence and identity. Family members have left, and others are newly adopted. Maybe my attitude has changed. Who knows, I didn’t used to have allergies?”

“JVB, you should know a calm forgiving mind brings inner strength and self-confidence. And it is important to generate a good attitude and good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in the long and short term for yourself and others will come. Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes someone creates a significant impression by remaining silent.”

“HH, you’re advising me to forgive, forget, empathize, suck it up, and keep my mouth shut a little more often. This meeting is over, isn’t it?”

“JVB, once again you remind me of Einstein. Get me back to LAX Molar Jockey. And even if you find yourself running down Las Tunas Drive wearing only a tutu and a powder puff blue bruin t-shirt (as you once promised if retail returned), understand the journey to integrity is joyous and rewarding.”