Finding the Courage to Smile

--by Aurelia, posted Dec 31, 2009

I was at a coffee shop last night where there was a wonderful folk music performance. I was busy tapping my feet and singing along to the soothing beats!

As I got up to get a cup of coffee and a cookie, I noticed this middle-aged woman near me. She had obviously been caught in a fire of some sort. Her face was severely burned that it looked very tight. She barely had a nose and her eyes were extremely tiny. I took a deep breath and went back to my seat. I thought about how brave she was to come out and appear in public. I also felt ashamed of myself for mildly shuddering and looking down while I headed back to my seat, unable to send even a feeble smile her way.

As I sipped my coffee and ate my cookie, I just kept thinking endlessly about whether I should ignore this moment and just mind my own business or do something about my feelings. I couldn't let it go. I went up for a refill on my coffee and snagged another cookie, but this time, I slowly turned towards the woman and said "Isn't he a wonderful performer?" and I gave her the largest smile I was capable of giving. To my pleasure, she looked right at me and gave me a huge SMILE in return!

I am sure it took this woman a long time to find her smile after her tragic accident. However, she seemed to have managed to find peace within herself and I am glad she did because her smile made her whole face light up last night. She was beautiful.

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Posted by Aurelia
Dec 31, 2009
Comments (11)

Readers Comments

athens wrote: Aurelia,
What a wonderful person you are! You ae such a wonderful soul. I strive to be like you someday. I strive to just be full of kindess.

helpinghand wrote: Aurelia, You are very kind and caring.
We learn a lot from your posts.
Keep on helping others.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Starbrite wrote: Wonderful! I'm so glad you went back. Your inner beauties were shining on high. ~Starbrite

pandia wrote: beautiful....i bet her smile and ur smile..brightened up each other's day....and ur story...just brightened up mine

FairyBubbles wrote: That was a really sensitive thing to do. I have learnt a lot from your post. With love.

Sanyogita wrote: You did a superb job. You gave a sigh of hope n encouragement to that lady.Otherwise,people just ignore such people n keep on starring at them n make them embrass.
You are simply MARVELOUS...

bluebell wrote: When you say "she was beautiful" that was the reflection of your heart that you saw. God bless you both. Love and Light, Bluebell

vsoul wrote: You are so thoughtful and caring Aurelia. Wonderful act by you. Love and light.

JuneBug wrote: I bet you two were the most beautiful ladies in that coffee shop !! :)

grammagussie wrote:

Aurelia...you inspire me..

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