Because of being born without the ability to smile, I learned that I had to define what a smile is.  If I could physically smile, would that be the smile I actually want? Or is a smile more than facial expression?  Growing up I never really thought about it. I knew I looked different and there were times I would fantasize about having a beautiful face with a glowing smile. But most times I just didn't really think about it.

When I was in my early twenties, I saw a little girl on the news that was having a “Smile” surgery? It was a big shock to me in two ways: One was that she had the same condition as I have and that she was having a surgery to help her to smile. It was a great feeling. I was impress to see the pictures of her in the months after the surgery. She did have a pretty smile. And, yes, I thought about having it to for a while. But then I really thought about why I wanted it. Am I not smiling already? I really started evaluating what a smile is. I see people “smiling” every day and it is a good feeling. However, some of the people are faking their smiles. They are not really smiling!

I love the phrase “I’m smiling on the inside,” because I feel that is where everyone’s true smile comes from. When a person feels happy, excited, and love that’s when they smile, and it is genuine. My smile may not be on my face but I can indeed express it with hugs, clap of my hands and words of joy.  I define a smile by real emotion.

I admire people who can smile and those who choose to have the smile surgery. But let’s not forget that a smile is more than facial expression, and let’s embrace all kinds of ways to smile.