H, you had your first cavity filled this last week!

(Two cavities, actually.)

Of course, I explained it as:

These little bacteria bugs in your mouth can dig down in the side of your teeth. When they do, the dentist cleans them out for you.

I, uh, certainly did not want to explain that you were about to get two shots directly in your gums.

But you handled it like a total champ!

Much better than I did at the dentist at that age.

In fact, it was such a non-event that you immediately asked to go back to Rock Solid (camp) after we finished…

You have gotten too big and too independent too fast.

I mean, it’s ok to still need your dad sometimes.

Right? Right.

I love you.

-Dad