I will never eat an apple again without thinking of my mother-in-law. For many years of my life, if I wanted to have an apple I needed to cut it in pieces. This is my own fault.

In my youth I suffered from a mental condition I like to call Terrier Syndrome. You will not find it in any psychiatric desk reference, but it doesn’t mean it is not a legitimate mental health problem.

I named Terrier Syndrome after the dog of the same breed. For those who may not be familiar, Terriers are a small breed of dog born of a peculiar nature that assumes they have been put on the earth to be king. They do not shy from asserting their belief, and to a certain point have ability. Only, it goes just so far. The average Terrier weighs about twenty pounds.

Because I had this same temperament, and comparatively no more lead in my pants, I became unnaturally removed from a number of my incisors.  For many years afterwards the best I could manage was partial plates; commonly referred to as flippers. They are good for making you look less toothless, but are practically useless otherwise.

Some time back, my mother-in-law sold an easement to the city. She has a good deal of property. With a portion of the money, she gave a gift to her offspring and their spouses. She has only one son and a daughter. With my share I was able to afford bridgework. I have biting the hell out of stuff ever since.

My mother-in law is a warm, wonderful person, able to look beyond our human faults. I am fortunate in my life to have her with me, and no less, her daughter. I am thankful every day. I just felt compelled to express my appreciation, coming into this thanks giving season.