The Most Beautiful Smile

Today, my family and I participated in community service project. We all go to a nursing home and delivered small "get well" packages that contain little trinkets and toiletries. Upon entering the home, we see several wilted old people sitting in wheelchairs with solemn faces. As we begin to shake their hands and give them hugs, their frowns transform into toothy (and in some cases, toothless) smiles. The first lady I approach is quietly observing all the child visitors as I shake her hand. I tell her that she is beautiful and I can see the youthful spirit come through her eyes. The next lady I approach gets out of her seat to give me a hug and tells me how she knows me. She goes on to say how she has missed me and she tells me that she loves me. I move onto a table of elderly people. I love this table because they tell me how beautiful I am (^_^). That table was so sweet that I try another one. I smile at everyone and they return the favor by smiling back. Finally, this old man who is wearing a  hood turns his head and looks at me with kind eyes. He sticks out his shaky hand and when I shake it, happiness starts radiating from his face. This is the most beautiful smile that I have ever seen. This smile did not belong to a young Cologate model, but it belonged to someone who is elderly and sick. It's amazing what a little kindness can do. Effects can be as simple as brightening someone's day or as powerful as turning an old man with dementia into smiling gentleman.