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.
