The Wisdom Teeth Promise

My son had his wisdom teeth removed.

As he came out of sedation, he had previously asked my wife to ensure the result was captured on video, as he hoped it would be funny to watch later.

My goodness, was it ever.

In fact, she turned the camera on him as he went LIVE online to the delight of the now viral amount of people who found this hilarious.

Context:

Romney is very funny, yet extremely reserved, and talented at many things, but few people know that he is an incredible singer, as he won’t sing in public – ever. He’s too embarrassed. UNLESS he’s coming out of surgery!

Well, here’s the big reveal! LOL! A mix of Seal’s “Kissed By A Rose” and Frankie Valli’s “Sherry” have him singing through gauze pads from the back of the minivan at full voice. Enjoy.

Instagram link HERE

I hope that made you laugh as it did so many others.

This is a process we have been through before, in fact, it is our second year in a row doing this. Not his teeth removed, but his brother before him.

In anticipation of submitting his papers to serve a mission for our Church, this is a fairly mandatory exercise, as Romney’s older brother, Redford, did the same before getting called to serve in Santa Fe, Argentina for 2 years.

Now it is Romney’s turn, as he just turned 18, graduates high school soon, having served as SBO Spirit Leader, and being an incredible young man in our family and community. We are very proud of him being willing to serve, preach, teach, and lift others.

That doesn’t mean its an easy road to the place he will end up living for the next 24 months, as wisdom teeth removal requires a painful surgery and even more difficult recovery.

So, what is The Wisdom Teeth Promise?

Having just returned home he was in extreme pain. The recovery fell over the same day as his FINAL basketball game with his team, where he is a starter, makes most of his shots, and is considered one of the best players around.

I told him to stay home.

He insisted he had to be there for his team, even if it meant sitting on the bench.

Here is the photo of him at the game, face wrapped in a bandage, sitting on the bench (the bench he rarely warms during these games).

We asked the coach prior to the game to only put him in if we were up by about 20 points.

All game long, Romney cheered from the sideline, as his friends rallied the other team.

We got a 20 point lead, as this team won every game this season, and were awesome.

Romney finally got in the game.

They made sure he didn’t run or exert. He just stood at the 3-point arc, where he usually sinks 3’s as if he’s Steph Curry taller brother.

Airball.

And then another.

They kept passing to him, laughing out loud and watching in amazement as Romney “Sharpshooter” Hewlett couldn’t make his Signature Move shot in this compromised, post-surgery state.

He was dizzy, dazed, a bit confused, and chucking up bricks.

The final buzzer sounded and everyone celebrated an undefeated season.

Romney, in great pain, smiled for the final photo, as they retired their jerseys and high school basketball careers to the bin in the attic.

Truth is, Romney didn’t play well this one game, but wasn’t expected to, either.

His teammates took control of the game and ensured to lead by 20 so he could get in.

That’s the Promise of the TEAM.

All Romney had to do was show up, cheer them on, be a team player, and they conquered as a team does when led well.

When he got in, it was the cherry on top.

No one expected him to hit a shot, and were also shocked that he couldn’t.

They realized how messed up the surgery can affect one’s athletic ability for Romney, of all people, to not be able to make a shot.

The Promise is that he showed up. 

And in showing up there is Wisdom. Maturity. Graduation from Youth to Manhood.

As Romney goes through this rite of passage in our culture and faith, he is learning and proving many aspects of someone becoming great. We are very proud of him.

Most of all, we are just really thankful when our kids manifest wisdom, Keep The Promise, and SHOW UP.

~

P.S.

Why are they called “Wisdom Teeth” anyway, you ask? 

Great question, let’s ask AI.

Here’s the answer, mostly from THIS BLOG by TexasOralSurgery.com

• Ancient Greek: The philosopher Aristotle wrote about them in the 4th century BC as “wisdom-teeth” (sóphronistér), meaning “prudent” or “sensible”.
• Latin: The term is likely a translation of dens sapientiae, which literally means “tooth of wisdom”.
• Modern English: The phrase “teeth of wisdom” was used in the 17th century and was shortened to “wisdom teeth” by the 19th century. 

~

As we close, I regret to say it, but I never had the rich experience of having my wisdom teeth removed.

I am one of very few around that served a mission for my Church (Brazil) and yet was told by the dentist the following:

“My goodness, your wisdom teeth have come all the way in AND you have room for another set! You can’t get these removed. I’ve never seen anything quite like this before.” 

My dentist said this while using both hands and a headlamp.

~ Jason Hewlett 

Inspiration Wrapped in Entertainment

• Husband, Father, Writer, Mentor, Hiker

• Speaker Hall of Fame Award-Winning Entertainer Emcee

• World’s Only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions, and comedy to teach The Promise

• Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Author of #1 Spiritual Self-Help book “The Promise To The One”

• Messenger & President of Cardio Miracle

jasonhewlett.com