Today I was going to post about the article that was in the DomPost, and the subsequent comment it has generated on high-visibility clothing. I'll defer that post until tomorrow.
Early this morning I took a telephone call, just after 9am, from the receptionist of my dental practice. She advised me it was necessary to cancel my appointment with the dentist on Wednesday. I was quite relieved, as I don't want the additional expense at the moment. Also, it's only a month or so since I had my teeth cleaned by the hygienist, and I'm fairly sure I don't have any fillings. So, "great" I thought. Then the receptionist said "I'm very sorry to have to say Neasa tragically passed away at the weekend". I felt for the receptionist. I could hear her holding back the tears. That must be an incredibly hard thing she will have to do cancelling all the appointments and advising why. I then almost burst into tears myself. That whole thing about how death, and especially unexpected death can put life in perspective.
I used to joke that the dentist was the health professional I saw most often. This was pre having a GP. It wasn't just a joke it was true. Until I got a GP a year or so ago the Dentist was the only health professional I ever saw - in a non work setting! I've been a patient of Neasa's for over 10 years. During that time I've seen her move from being the baby Dentist in the practice to the senior Dentist. She took out four wisdom teeth, inserted a couple of crowns, and numerous fillings. I had bad teeth, and that was a reflection of my eating and drinking habits. Early in the ten year period I used to go to the Dentist at least 3-4 times for cleaning because I used to get all this "build up"on the teeth. The last time I saw Neasa she said my teeth were in the best shape they had been. I trusted Neasa with my teeth. And trust is not an easy thing I give to health professionals. She knew the way I liked the seat not to far back and heaps of injections. I consider she was an excellent dentist. Expensive! - but excellent "to be sure".
Neasa was too young to die. She was only in her mid thirties. While I only knew her through ten years of a lot (a lot) of dental work, I did know she was was full of life, including being "fit", a runner, and going to the gym. She had a beautiful smile, an awesome Irish accent and sense of humour. She also played in a Irish band that I had seen a few times. Awesome singer and musician.
Rest in peace Neasa. It was good to have had you as my dentist and to have known you as a person. I trust you'll have found a beautiful place in heaven, where there is awesome Irish music playing, and Guinness on tap to enjoy listening to it - and you'll be dancing with the angels - to be sure. I'll remember your beautiful smile - and to floss and brush correctly!
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