We arrived at Dr. Leggett’s in the rain. Other clients tramped in from the gray dampness looking slightly disheveled and not very merry about having their teeth checked. Even a young boy taking advantage of the cheerful children’s corner to play his phone games was definitely a bit gloomy looking. Charles and I were so thankful for the long expected rain and so glad our very good dentist was near our home, we couldn’t be gloomy. Even still–the day was somewhat depressing.

Then we were invited back for our appointment and right then the dismal day turned bright. There before us were tables lined with pumpkin personalities created by employees of South Georgia Dental Associates. Pumpkins had been turned into a peacock, a dinosaur, ghosts, a lollipop fantasy, and even a fantastic deer creation. We were invited to vote for our favorite of some fifteen amazing pumpkin characters.

I was torn between the cute little dinosaur just out of his shell and the deer with antlers on his pumpkin head. And then there was the clown with popsicle hair, the pineapple bird house, and the traditional ever-favorite painted jack o’ lantern. But maybe the most unforgettable was the pumpkin witch.

The witch’s face was a green pumpkin turned on its side so the curved stem was a nose. Of course she had a black pointed hat above her glued-on eyes. Purple hair flowed down over a black metallic body. Protruding from the black body were hilarious orange and black-clad legs with pointed-toe black feet ready to kick. That witch looked ready to leap from the table but she was too funny to be scary.

We always feel good about our visits with Dr. Leggett and his warm professional staff. But I’m not sure we’ve ever left with any bigger smiles than we had today. We know Dr. Leggett and all have been praying for Charles as he fights cancer. We appreciate their care and expertise so much. Today, though, we saw a new display of their community spirit. We sure would like to know who wins the pumpkin contest! The humor and creativity warmed and cheered us as we headed back out into the rain.