My Uncle Bert, the best dentist

The weekend dawned warm and rainless. Roberto P, my uncle, a dentist and a very early riser, opened his clinic as early as eight in the morning.

He took some false teeth mounted in their plaster mold out of the glass case and put on the table a fistful of instruments which he arranged according to their sizes, as if they were on display.

When he had things arranged on the table, he pulled the drill toward the dental chair and sat down to polish the false teeth. He seemed not to be thinking about what he was doing but worked steadily, pumping the drill with his foot.

After nine, he stopped for awhile to check at the reception area of the clinic if he has patients queuing. There I was, seated alone quietly waiting for my name to be called. I was so shy because all the past dental services he rendered to me were free of charge.

This scenario happened more than twenty years back.

I could never forget my best dentist, my uncle. My family shall be forever grateful to my ” uncle dentist” for all generosity he extended us and to many immediate and distant relatives. He was one person who has sown seeds of service and love worthy for our family and the community as well  to emulate. He died of cancer three years ago leaving behind his wife, two daughters ( a doctor and a banker) and a son ( a dentist, too).

Uncle Bert, you have been the best. May your soul rest in peace.