Let me start off with the most exciting news. We will be blessed with a baby boy in February, strongly named Lane Turner Dickerson. Of the three, this has definitely been the most anticipated gender revealing day. All along, my wife and I having praying for a healthy baby after God blessed us with another pregnancy. We didn't want to get too selfish in regards to the sex of the baby because it took us over a year and a half to conceive. Although we were both secretly hoping we would have a girl. There's nothing wrong with that, is there?
As soon as we found out yesterday, I was instantly filled with joy and excitement and couldn't imagine having a girl now. This baby was Lane Turner all the way. My wife is so beautiful and even more so when she is expecting, and with this new baby boy, we have all the more reason to go for four (which was my original plan).
While thinking about this new life we are blessed with, I have also been thinking a lot about my Papaw this week. One year ago today he went home and even though he was 87, it still seemed too early. I could always count on him for wise counsel along with great Indiana basketball discussions. I could say considerable more about his life, but my brother put it best...he was the greatest Christian I ever knew. I wish he could have met Lane Turner, as he had an ability to make everyone feel as if they are the favorite.
Our church is also celebrating our Centennial. It has been a busy week there as well. We are excited about welcoming back former pastors and music ministers. Sunday will be a filled day all around as after the afternoon service, I will be driving to Disney World.
Also in this week, there has been vacation prep time. For me, not so much packing as it is getting things squared away at work. I have never been gone for two weeks and I am realizing how difficult it is to be away for that length of time with a demanding business (God has blessed me in my company). I am extremely excited, though. I can't wait to spend two weeks with my family.
As if that's not enough for a week, I have had some dental issues and a tremendous amount of pain. A few weeks ago, I was flossing and one of my fillings came out. It was a tooth that I had knocked a filling out of earlier this year playing basketball. I went in Friday to get it filled for the third time and since then, the pain has gotten worse. Finally yesterday morning, I called my dentist and he suggested a root canal, but didn't know when they could get to me. Since I am going on vacation, whatever was to be done I wanted done immediately. I talked to an oral surgeon in Cookeville and the procedure was going to be around $1500 and a $700-$800 crown in a few weeks. There were no guarantees this would work.
I called my dentist back and we went over several options, and we reviewed my X-rays. He said that the wisdom tooth was growing at an angle over the troubled tooth, and that on that side of my mouth the teeth were crowded. So, he mentioned extraction as an option. Keep in mind the whole time I am thinking of that $2300 number and the dreaded procedures involved. So I posed the question, "An extraction, huh? How much?" To which he replied $68. Without hesitation I said, "How quick can you get me in?" He said, "I'll see you in a few hours."
I'm now ready for vacation....even more.
