Saturday, January 3, 2009

Show and Tell: The Mona Lisa Smile

One of the great mysteries of my life: how I managed to smile in this picture. And it's not a fake smile, it really is the genuine thing. And it really looks like I'm happy here, doesn't it? Well, this was taken 8 years ago on a trip home to Canada during one of the most painful times of my life. I had lost my second tube after another ectopic pregnancy (loss #4) and I was getting ready for IVF #3, my last shot at pregnancy before closing that chapter of my life. It wasn't a time when I had much to smile about. To be honest, I spent most of the time crying that year. All my hope was lost and I was starting to face the fact that there was a childless future in store for me. Life works in mysterious ways. Little did I know that I would actually have a lot to smile about.

This was taken in Niagara Falls, with the falls in the background, and we were on our way to the casino where I actually made quite a bit of money. The gorgeous hunk on the right is my husband (and the world's worst cook) and the hunk on the left is my sweet uncle Armie who I absolutely adore and is a wonderful cook. My uncle surprised me by inviting a group of my closest friends to join us on that weekend trip. He's such a wonderful person and he went out of his way to make sure I did a lot of smiling that summer. I think he actually saved my life! Believe me, it wasn't a time when I felt I had much to live for.

BTW, it's a scanned photo so not great quality. But it's the smile that counts.

To see what the rest of the class is showing and telling, check out Mel's Show & Tell.

10 comments:

AnotherDreamer said...

It's amazing how those little acts of love can pull us through the gloom. Beautiful smile.

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

That's a beautiful smile especially given the year of tears that you endured.

The Steadfast Warrior said...

A lovely photo and a lovely smile. Finding reasons to smile despite the pain is always a great place to be.

Lollipop Goldstein said...

It is a beautiful photo and it just proves the point that you don't always know what is happening behind the smile.

By the way, I love that your blog is bilingual. I don't know any Portuguese, but it looks beautiful :-)

Delenn said...

A lovely post.

Kristin said...

He is a hunk. That is a gorgeous smile. And, I'm so glad it turned out hat you have a lot to smile about.

..al said...

It really is a gorgeous smile and appears very genuine indeed!

Tara said...

Beautiful smile!

Lori Lavender Luz said...

I love this! You are as beautiful as your spirit.

Thanks, also for being willing to pass on the message about The Land of IF.

Stacie said...

You do have a beautiful smile. I am always amazed at how so many in the IF world are able to smile when there is so much pain. So sorry you had to go through that (although I am more glad you have something to smile about!).

What your uncle did was so sweet!