Dear Tooth Fairy......

Dear Tooth Fairy,

Hi, it’s me; I just want to ask you a question is this my last tooth? I hope not. I don’t want to grow up too quickly. I am getting braces does it hurt? How do I brush my teeth? I am having a good year in 5th grade; well so far. If this is my last tooth this will be the last time you visit me. So thank you for all the money you have given me. I will really miss you. I guess you will come back for my brother next time you’re here. Good luck with the other kids.

Love,
Your friend

P. S. Since you watch over me the whole year; have I been good for Santa?

The above was written by my 10 year old daughter last night as she tucked her tooth underneath her pillow for the Tooth Fairy. This was so touching I had tears in my eyes reading it. She composed this letter all by herself and the only way my wife and I found out about it was when we saw the piece of paper tucked underneath her pillow with the tooth.

My daughter has such a good “soul” and is such a joy to be near. These are the moments I have missed so much in the past two years and now thank God I am here to be able to enjoy these moments in person. This is truly precious and something I will never to for granted. All these moments were put on hold for me over the past two years but now they are here to stay all thanks to recovery. I cannot say this enough that if it weren’t for recovery I wouldn’t be enjoying any of these moments. I cannot get back the time I lost but I can cherish the time I have and I continue to cherish each and every moment.

The Tooth Fairy to respond along with leaving $2 for the wayward tooth; here is the Tooth Fairy’s response.

Dear Sweet Child,

This could be your last tooth because it is tooth number 12. However; some children lose 13 or 14 teeth so I may see you again. Getting braces does not hurt the braces make your teeth look great. You brush your teeth the same way you brush your teeth now only with the braces it feels a little bumpy. This will not be the last time I see you because the little kid in the next room will be losing a few tooth very soon and I will stop by to say “Hi”. Lauren you are welcome and you are very special little girl. Remember you can do anything you put your mind to.

Love,
Tooth Fairy

P.S. I’ll pass on the good words to Santa!!!

I’m not so sure my daughter still believes in the Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus for that matter but seeing these notes does make me believe she is holding on to her innocence a little longer. My daughter is right; growing up does go quickly and time does not stop for anyone. It truly seems like yesterday when my daughter was getting her first tooth and now here she is losing the last of her baby teeth. Where has that 10 years gone?

My daughter was unpacking a box in her room and came across a book my mother put together when she turned one. It was a compilation of emails I sent my mother as my daughter went through her first year of life. The book was titled “All about Lauren” and was great to see. I would write to my mother keeping her updated on my daughter‘s progress those first and second years of her life. This was my first foray into writing and somehow I stopped writing as my gambling progressed. My daughter was enjoying reading the book and it did bring back some very good memories. I am so glad my mother compiled these messages because it was well received by my daughter.

Time waits for no one and I suspect the next 10 years will go even quicker. Thankfully my perspective has changed for the better. I am enjoying each and every moment and these moments mean so much to me, thank you!!!!