As I was searching on the This I Believe website, I found a certain connection with the story called The Happiness of Memories. This describes how important it is to hold on to memories that make. In the dialogue, it discusses how "memory is the core of the soul–like the bulb in the light, without it the light cannot shine." An act of kindness can brighten a person's day and by remembering this kind act can continue to bring someone happiness.
http://thisibelieve.org/essay/22781/
I was born without one permanent tooth, I guess it's a hereditary thing because my mom has it and so does my grandpa. Because of this missing tooth, I had braces for 5 years, and let me tell you that is a very long time: 6th grade to summer going into my junior year of high school. I was a "brace face" for a very long time, which was annoying because while everyone was getting their braces off, mine were staying on. I cannot bite into an apple and I mostly chew on the opposite side to avoid it coming out or cracking. Oh and you know how most people have nightmare's about scary monsters, I have experienced numerous one's about my tooth falling out. I went through three surgeries in order to put a fake tooth in the empty space and finally they came off and I was so excited! During the same summer I got them off, I went on an immersion trip to the St. Anthony's Foundation in San Francisco, which is a poor and rough neighborhood. I served as a bus-girl and it was surprisingly fun; I enjoyed taking people's plates and making conversation. After my shift, I ate lunch at a table with a man named Anthony. Evidently, he had been through some struggles throughout his life, but he was still so cheerful and had an overall positive outlook on life. He shared a few wise lessons with me and one of them was "Never stop smiling because once you have lost that you have lost everything." He commented on how I have such a great smile and how I should not waste it. Supposedly, I brightened his day with my smile. I have always been somewhat self-conscious about my smile because of my missing tooth.
http://thisibelieve.org/essay/22781/
I was born without one permanent tooth, I guess it's a hereditary thing because my mom has it and so does my grandpa. Because of this missing tooth, I had braces for 5 years, and let me tell you that is a very long time: 6th grade to summer going into my junior year of high school. I was a "brace face" for a very long time, which was annoying because while everyone was getting their braces off, mine were staying on. I cannot bite into an apple and I mostly chew on the opposite side to avoid it coming out or cracking. Oh and you know how most people have nightmare's about scary monsters, I have experienced numerous one's about my tooth falling out. I went through three surgeries in order to put a fake tooth in the empty space and finally they came off and I was so excited! During the same summer I got them off, I went on an immersion trip to the St. Anthony's Foundation in San Francisco, which is a poor and rough neighborhood. I served as a bus-girl and it was surprisingly fun; I enjoyed taking people's plates and making conversation. After my shift, I ate lunch at a table with a man named Anthony. Evidently, he had been through some struggles throughout his life, but he was still so cheerful and had an overall positive outlook on life. He shared a few wise lessons with me and one of them was "Never stop smiling because once you have lost that you have lost everything." He commented on how I have such a great smile and how I should not waste it. Supposedly, I brightened his day with my smile. I have always been somewhat self-conscious about my smile because of my missing tooth.
From Anthony's advice I realize that I have a
great smile and I should not be embarrassed about it. I should live everyday smiling because that is how I can live my life to
the fullest. Smiling takes away the pressures of life, by grinning from ear to ear. I see the positive in life; why go through life without
smiling? I am insecure about my smile because of my
missing tooth, but I recognize that everyone has things they
are insecure about. Not only that, but also this "flaw" of mine is
what makes me unique. I have a special story that sets me apart from other
people.
I believe in smiling everyday and making others smile too. I enjoy smiling at
people as I pass them in the hallway. Now that might sound strange,
but maybe that smile could make someone's day, who knows? Oh, and always
taking pictures because I want to remember those great memories when I can smile
about them again. I believe in telling my story about my missing tooth and letting people see the true
me. Yes, I have a fake tooth, but it looks awesome, right? You probably have
never noticed that it is fake, or at least I hope so. I believe smiling can
make someone's day and in return can bring you happiness and joy! I could be that light for someone.
Some individuals do not like showing their teeth in
pictures for whatever reason; I really do not understand it. I believe in
smiling from ear to ear and showing off those pretty white teeth!
Amy, that is an awesome story. I'm glad we both shared great Immersion experiences! Anthony sounds like a great guy and he is absolutely right! Getting to know you has been so much fun. You keep everyone smiling and laughing. Keep on smiling.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a beautiful smile and always keep smiling! :) I think it's important to recognize the little things in life, maybe as small as your smile, being a HUGE part to YOUR life. And I'm so happy that you've figured that out :)
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