Amy was an average
looking girl, with deep brown eyes, and chestnut hair
flowing down her back. She was a thoughtful caring child
a true treasure to her parents. Amy didn't smile much
these days. It had been a long time since she had smiled.
The braces on her teeth kept her from looking happy most
days. She kept her mouth closed to avoid the taunting
of "metal mouth" from the other kids. If she
was asked one more time, what radio station she could
pick up, she just knew she would throw up.
Most days the braces hurt, and her lips were sore from
rubbing against them. Not many of the kids had braces,
even if they did need them. Her father had worked hard
to find an orthodontist that would accept the payment
plan.
Tomorrow was another
appointment at the orthodontist's office and they said
she might get the braces taken off this time. Coming in
from helping with the garden, she glanced up at the sky.
It was fall, and the days were growing shorter. She saw
a pearl like glowing star, and wished for the beauty that
she was sure would come the next day.
On their way to the
orthodontist in the old red Chevy pick up truck, Amy's
dad slowed down to pass an older woman pulling a cart
toward the local grocery. Amy looked at her dad and asked
if they could give her a ride, "of course" he
replied. When they pulled along side the lady Amy rolled
down the window and asked if they could help, the lady
smiled and to Amy's surprise, she had no teeth.
When the old woman got into the truck she looked at Amy
and said, "My, you are a beautiful child, but you
need to smile". Hesitantly, Amy smiled, and the woman
exclaimed, "What a glittering smile, you should be
very proud of those pearly white teeth". Amy's smile
got bigger, and she decided there and then the gift of
your smile to others is what made you beautiful, and she
was going to smile for everyone.
