A Lifelong Journey with Children: Shared Joy and Triumphs

As a public health dental therapist with over 40 years of experience, working with children aged 4 to 17, I have seen countless faces upon the paths of life. From leading a camp counselor group during a summer where some kids did not take their ADHD medication to becoming a mother to four children through both planned and unplanned pregnancies, every experience has been a learning journey. These stories are marked by hope, challenge, and the profound impact on my personal and professional life.

Adoptive Parenting and the Best Decision I've Made

Adopting my kids, who were 7 to 15 years old, was the best decision I have ever made. Despite their challenges, including one who had begged at a railway station at the tender age of 6, I cherish the bond and growth we have shared. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Adoptive parenting has given me a sense of purpose and filled my heart with joy. Each day brings new challenges and triumphs, and every experience with these children has been invaluable.

Leading a Camp Counselor Group and Witnessing Diversity

During one summer when I was a lead camp counselor at my workplace's daycare center, I led a group of 12 kids. Five of them did not take their ADHD medication, and it was a fun yet challenging activity for the summer. This experience taught me the importance of empathy and understanding in dealing with diverse groups of children.

Public Health Dental Therapist Experience

For over 40 years, I have worked as a public health dental therapist, serving children across various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Witnessing a range of behaviors and parenting styles has made me realize that many parents take little to no responsibility for their children's dental hygiene and dietary habits. This highlights the importance of education and awareness in parenting.

Motherhood and Resilience

Becoming a mother to four children has been a journey. My first pregnancy, at age 28, resulted in a perfectly healthy daughter. My second pregnancy, at age 30, led to the birth of healthy twin boys. Before my 32nd birthday, I had an unplanned pregnancy, resulting in a son who had complex medical issues. Throughout these years, I have taken unpaid maternity leave for each pregnancy and returned to work part-time after each birth. This experience has taught me the value of resilience and adaptability.

Reading Specialist and a Lasting Impact

One of my roles as a reading specialist was to teach children with disabilities to read fluently and with comprehension. I once worked with a child diagnosed with dysgraphia, dyslexia, and ADHD, who was about to move to another country with his mother due to his parents' divorce. He valued his time with me, especially after making significant academic progress. He handed me a folded note filled with a sentence he wrote for the first time in his life, expressing his gratitude. Witnessing the impact of my work on a child's life has been a precious experience. Even though he no longer sees me, he lives in my heart.

Conclusion

My journey as a public health dental therapist and mother has been filled with joy, challenges, and a profound understanding of the importance of support and care. Each child I have interacted with has left a lasting impression on me, reminding me of the value of personal connections and the lasting impact of our work. I carry these children—now adults—with me, cherishing the memories and the lessons they have taught me.