Hope found in a dentist office

Daniel has been complaining about his teeth lately. So i bit the bullet and scheduled a dentist appointment for him. All three of my children have yet to have seen a dentist. Yes, terrible i know, but i am good about making sure they brush their teeth and all that entails. I couldn't put it off any longer with how much Daniel was complaining. There is a dentist office in town called Happy Kids Dentistry. I thought they probably would be the most equip to handle Daniel as they do mention that they work with special needs. I was very impressed when i made the appointment and had little trepidation bringing him in. In the waiting area they had video games, movies going, books, and toys gallor. He was a little hesitant but all in all he did okay. When it was time to go back, the atmosphere was very open and friendly.
I wish i could get my teeth cleaned there!
They had a big flat screen with mickey mouse play house on. Daniel was mainly just concerned with all the strange instruments and chairs. The dentist came in and was very friendly. Before the visit i had told them about Daniel's disability of apraxia. He talked to Daniel and said hello, and then he asked me about the apraxia and proceeded to tell me that his 9 year old son has the same disorder! NO JOKE.. seriously.. this dentist has a son with the same disorder as Daniel. His son actually has the most severe form of apraxia. We chatted a bit, Daniel's teeth looked great, and over all it was not very traumatic for Daniel at all. When it was time to go the dentist told me that i needed to stop in and talk with his wife (who is the office manager).
We instantly connected. There is a bond between special needs parents that is forged almost instantly upon meeting. It's like a weary sighed "hello fellow traveler on this road of unexpectedness". And in our case, with a disorder that is not widely known, it was even more connecting.
I spent about a half an hour talking to his wife (who's name is Hazar) about apraxia, our children, resources in the area, speech therapy, and communication devices. We exchanged information and i left the office encourage, empowered and full of HOPE.

Who knew a trip to the dentist office could provide such inspiration and encouragement.