Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale, what can I say but, “Sun, Sand and College Students”. Don’t get me wrong, Ft. Lauderdale has beautiful beaches, but I’m just not a beach person. I’m not even a summer person. My favorite season is fall. I love jackets and boots, cool temps and changing leaf colors, and plenty of warm beverages. But, my Lil’ Road Dog is the total opposite. He loves the beach, summertime and wearing shorts.

We stayed at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. The location was great because it was beachfront and just on the outskirts of all the Springbreak Mayhem and crowds. We had access to a private beachfront section right off the back of the hotel and a pool that never felt crowded. We didn’t have to fight for an umbrella or half dome tent spot on the beach. We just picked an unoccupied beachfront spot and the golf cart driving attendants would take care of the rest. They would set up your umbrella or half dome tent and padded lounge chairs.

My Lil’ Road Dog took full advantage of these services. I just trudged on along and hid out under the half dome tent while he played in the surf and sand. He really, I mean really, enjoyed the sand! He dug holes in it, danced in it and buried himself in it. I had to help with the burying after being begged, nagged and coaxed out of my shaded dome to do so.

YET, the beach wasn’t my painful beginnings, even though it may seems that way at this point. Instead, it all started 2 days before we left for Ft. Lauderdale. I had an existing abscess on a root canaled tooth that began to hurt. After visiting the dentist on a routine cleaning, I was told that it was there due to my root canaled tooth cracking in half underneath my crown. I was also informed that I should do something about it before it started hurting. As you can tell by now, I didn’t. If you knew me, you would know that I am terrified of the dentist and have to pretty much be dragged and sometimes sedated before going.

So, the dentist was informed and antibiotics and pain meds were called in to the pharmacy for pick up. The dentist informed me that I needed to have taken the antibiotics for at least three days before he could see me. Therefore, since I had pain meds and antibiotics in hand, was leaving in a couple of days for Ft. Lauderdale, and the pain was bearable, I decided to schedule the follow up appointment for the following week. No problem, or so I thought.

After being in Ft. Lauderdale for two of the five days, the pain level started increasing. The next two days, especially during the night, were extremely painful ones. I didn’t think I was going to make it. I thought I was going to have to seek emergency dental care while there. Yet, the morning of the fourth day, I awoke with my left jaw feeling swollen and quite painful. I went to the bathroom, looked in the mirror at my tooth, and saw that a mini white capped gum volcano had appeared on the outside of my tooth. I barely touched the gum volcano with my fingertip when it erupted. That eruption was my saving grace. The pain diminished, the swelling went down, and life was bearable again. I felt that I would now be able to make it home and see the dentist during the scheduled appointment day and time.

I’m still terrified of going to the dentist, but realize my luck and time has run out. I must face the consequences and options of my delayed decision. Pray for me! I’m definitely going to need it.