Every person has a story to tell. Usually, behind person’s beautiful smile is a sad or painful experience in life. Such smile is used either as a camouflage to hide struggles, or as a sign of relief that the storm has already passed. Either way, there is a reason behind every person’s smile. In my more than thirty years of existence, I have crossed paths with people with the sweetest of smiles, only to find out later on that they have been through difficult periods in their life, much to my astonishment and disbelief. We often complain about petty struggles that we experience in life, without realizing that the person next to us could be in a more unfortunate situation. Our struggles might pale in comparison with those of other individuals, and eventually realize that we are luckier than them.

Dale

Let us call him Dale. During the time that he was my student in several subjects, I have never seen him sad and cheerless, traits that he continues to carry now that he is already a graduate and working already. He is always in a jolly disposition in life, and injects humor in most of our conversations. He is also a very generous person if I may add. He never fails to treat us if in the mood (as he always is), or bring pasalubong when he arrives from their province.

One day, I was surprised when Dale mentioned casually during one of our lunches that his father is currently undergoing rehabilitation for drug addiction. He delivered it without batting an eyelash, and in a matter-of-factly manner, much to my amusement. He added that it has been their problem since he was younger, and that he and his siblings, and their mother have grown accustomed to their house in the province being raided by authorities. On some occasions, his father even sold some of their material possessions in order to support his vice. Other people in his shoes I know will be ashamed of it, but not in the case of Dale. I am not saying though that he is proud of it, since it is something that nobody will be ever proud of. Perhaps, he was just being frank and honest.

I commend Dale for carrying such burden with candor and humor. But I know that deep inside of him, he wants his dad to be well, as any son or daughter would wish. Hopefully, his Dad will be able to wean himself from his addiction soon.

Marichelle

Let us call her Marichelle. Just like Dale, she was a former student of mine in some subjects. Very pretty, charming, and never without a smile. She visited me in my office a few weeks ago before leaving for a nearby country. As always, she was smiling all through out. I asked her what she will do in that country, and she answered that she will “eat, pray, love” (ala Julia Roberts I thought). Immediately, I was able to sense that something must be bothering and troubling her. Behind her smile, is a troubled soul.

In a prior chat, Marichelle told me how devastated she was when she and her boyfriend parted ways. And this is just the tip of the iceberg, as I have discovered many other things about the tumultuous relationship she had with him, just like being a battered girl friend. I can sense that she loved him dearly, but unfortunately, things did not simply work out between them. Though the relationship is over and done with, I can sense that Marichelle is still in the process of picking up the broken pieces in her life.

I wish her well. She is in a neighboring country right now to prove to her family and to the world that she can do things on her own, and that she does not have to depend on anybody in order to survive. I can imagine how lonely she could be in that place, away from family and friends. But she is one brave girl anyway. I know that eventually, she will emerge triumphant, and that she will be able to find the man who will truly love her, and fight for her. And most importantly, her family will become very proud of her in the long run.

Che

Let us call her Che. She is, in my opinion, the most patient person that I have known. I have never heard raise her voice when dealing with irate clients. Sometimes, when visibly irritated, she is able to maintain her grace and composure. She is also a very funny person, and does not mind being made fun of during conversations. She can also give out a hearty laugh, much to our delight.

But behind her laughter, is a mother burdened with the plight of her mentally disabled son, who went missing for more than a year. She and her family searched for him every where, but did not see him unfortunately. I know that she was very worried during such time that they have not found him yet. Who wouldn’t be? She even entertained the idea that her son could already be dead. Given his mental condition, how could he survive? How could he defend himself from harm and abuse? What happened to her son must be heart wrenching for her, and for any mother for that matter, more so that her son is mentally disabled.

Fortunately, after more than a year of searching, they found him at a mental institution, and brought him home. We were happy to hear that she has found her son already. But Che was not totally relieved, since her son can’t stay in their home since he has continued to be violent just like before. As a consequence, they feared for their safety, most especially that of their very young grandson. Che and her family decided then to send their son back to the mental institution. Apart from her son’s condition, they are also worried about their finances, specifically how to pay for their son’s board and lodging fee at the facility. Che continues to move on with her life, with all her patience, laughter, and humor. But deep inside, I know that she is suffering as a mother. Only a miracle will make his son get well and become mentally stable. But miracles happen, don’t they?

Every person has a story to tell. The more melodramatic, then the more colorful life becomes. Such is life - it isn't a bed of roses. Just continue smiling, for your pain will wither away soon. Painful experiences bring us closer to God, most especially when we already feel helpless. But God should always be the first option, and not the last.......

Smile...

Smile, though your heart is aching,
Smile, even though it’s breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky-
You’ll get by.
If you smile through your pain and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through
For you.
Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear may be ever so near,
That’s the time you must keep on trying,
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.

- Charlie Chaplin (1936)