Homemade Smile Cards

--by lobsterwife, posted Mar 17, 2009

Today my son and I drove to a town just over from our own. We had errands to run there. He wanted to buy a game for all the hard work he put in this year in school. He was diagnosed with ADHD and oppositional defiance disorder but still managed to be on the A/B Honor Roll for half the school year. We are so incredibly proud of him! This child of mine has the most loving heart.

Off we went to the mall. We got lunch in the food court and just enjoyed talking to each other. He looked over and saw a young man in an Army uniform. He asked me if he could give him a smile card. We had made our own. All they say is "Smile... Pay it forward." So he marched right up to that young man and said, "Thank you!" and handed him the card. You have never seen two bigger smiles in your life or a more proud Mom.

After we secured the much sought after game, as we were leaving the mall, we walked back through the food court. We each had five smile cards left. We just started handing them out. I chose two construction workers that looked exhausted and it was only noon. I will never forget that one man's face. He looked so cranky and tired. I just set the card in front of him and said, "Have a GREAT day!" What a wonderful smile he had! His smile has kept me going all day.

This has been one of the best and one of the worst days of my life. My son left about an hour ago to go live with his dad for six months but I know he and I will remember the happiness of this day not the sadness!

8104 Reads

Posted by lobsterwife
Mar 17, 2009
Comments (24)

Readers Comments

joyful wrote: Oh my friend, stand strong! I am thinking of you and send hugs. But what a wonderful day of memories he will have of you both. You have given him gifts in life that will be forever with him and though he may not live with you - you will always be his Mum and that is a very special connection that can never change. I wish you joyful things! :-)

JuneBug wrote: I am sure the dad will hear alot of stories about the precious times you two spent together bringing smiles to so many people!!! You're a GREAT mom!!! [[hug!]] :)

AURELIA wrote: Lobsterwife...I am so happy to hear you spent such a wonderful day with your little boy. 6 months is a long time to be without him, but I bet he talks his dad's ear off just telling him how much he loves you... Hang in there and keep writing to us. :0) ~Aurelia

lanhke21292 wrote: Your son is very kind - hearted. It must be a happy day. I admire him so much.

lmil1954 wrote: Lobsterwife-you are an amazing mom! The 6 months will go quickly...you will be alright! i am glad you found so much delight in a gray day! God bless you, dear friend. love, Linda:)

butterfly wrote: you are an incredible mom! an angel. thank you for all your kindness. you are very blessed. stay strong. your spirit shines so brightly.

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: What a great story! When kids "get it" on kindness, it is an awesome thing to watch. Thanks for grooming your son to be a wonderful man one day!

bhappy wrote: What a loving caring Mom you are....I love this and too see your little man touching and sharing kindsness with others is So Special...Have A Blessed and Sunshine Day..Becki

REYSOFHOPE wrote: Even more important then the amount of time we get to spend with another is how we spend the time we have with them. It seems to me that you spent the day together in a wonderful way. While your son is away you will miss him but still remember to take some time to do things you enjoy so when he comes home you will be renewed, refreshed and ready to talk about the memories you each made while apart as you prepare to make even more memories together. Hopefully you kept a smile card for yourself to look at when you are feeling lonely so you don't forget the message he was sharing with the world. Have a wonderful today as its the gateway to tomorrow.

tash wrote: I have a 9 month old son and i can't wait to share the experiences like the one in this story with him! It brings me so much joy serving others and then teaching my son to do as well. Much love

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