woman of the gold rush.

[duccio]

I went to the dentist yesterday. Everything was OK with me. Again, the divine Helen cleaned my teeth and we had a good time in the process. Funny huh, having a good time at the dentist. I was sorry to see that Antonia (Toni) had left the office though, quit, and it was also Anna's last day - she's moving on. That's two of my Three Graces at Dr. DDS's. Those three were the largest part of my continuing to make the long trip into the city for dental care. I whispered to Anna, "Take me with you", only partly in jest, because I've not been so thrilled with this dentist, who took over my old dentist's practice a while back. He's nice enough, but I have tiny doubts (several of them) about his truthfulness and I didn't like a certain way he treated Toni last time I was there getting a filling - he sort of barked at her. Very unprofessional within hearing of the patient. Now she's gone. Dr. nice guy. And Anna's leaving. I don't know what plans Helen might have, but if she goes, I'm out of there too. Dr's are often perverse authoritarians. One: I have big issues with authoritarians and I'm ready, and Two: I'm loyal to my friends, not this upstart Dr. I'll go with them to make their finding a new spot just that much easier. What dentist doesn't want new patients?

What does all of this office drama have to do with the Woman of the Gold Rush? Well, I don't know exactly, except that after I left the dental office, I stepped into the Wells Fargo museum in the building nearby and took a few pictures, and then saw this daguerreotype, and realized I was thinking about my three dental women friends. The Gold Rush woman is so classic an image of her era and this place during those times, and these three women I was realizing now were important parts of this certain small but important part of my urban connection. I know them and don't like the idea of this dissolution of this group of 'friends' I have enjoyed. If they go their separate ways, they will be like this gold rush woman and become a memory of how something else used to be. I hoped in my thoughts that they would all go out of there, stay together and find another dentist, and then set me up with an appointment at their new place. I am always wishing that things be all right, as I realize they have begun crumbling beyond my ability to do anything about them. God damn.

Comments

[shinsetsu]

I know how you feel...only I have stopped wishing and hoping.

[duccio]

I'm really going to miss Toni and especially Anna. Toni is Italian-American and I always like to be around Italian people. Helen and Anna are both Chinese-American. Helen is one of the nicest people I know and over the years I have come to care about her and learned lots of things about her and her family. Anna I have only known for about 2 years, since the new dentist took over the practice, but she has been very truthful to me about what is going on there in the office and about the ins and outs of insurance. She has stuck her head out for me about the new dentist, against her own security in the job. This type of person is all too rare. I wish I could develop friendships with all of them beyond the office, especially with Anna. She's a fellow co-conspirator against 'the man' and I think we both recognized that about each other. Toni took care of herself after being unhappy with the job situation, and Helen has her family as her first priority. Anna though, is a fighter for the truth and steps out of her own comfort zone to speak it. I'd like her in my corner, and be glad to back her up in a pinch. One of them has my email and LJ address. I am hoping for a contact to maybe remain in touch, and if Anna finds a new spot with another dentist, I'll move over there too.

[shinsetsu]

For sure stay in touch with all of them, and make sure they all know how to reach you, but why not ask Anna out for lunch or something?

[duccio]

Anna is married I think, and Helen (also married) is the one with the email and LJ addresses, but Anna was the office manager, so maybe she has the email and other info too and will get in touch. I made no secret about wanting to stay in touch. Thursday when I was there was Anna's last day, so I have no way to contact her anymore, except through Helen at the office which might not be a good thing for Helen. It was difficult to talk openly in the office, because there was much unspoken stuff going on. I got the impression that there was major dysfunction ready to boil over there. That Dr. must be a real controlling freak to alienate his entire staff of very wonderful people. If I hear from either of them that they have a new position with another dentist, I'm there.

[shinsetsu]

This I am making a memory. :)