100ways2smile —- 50

WOW!!! It just seems like last week that this project kicked off and now 100ways2smile hits the 50th smile. Yipee!!! In spite of the delays at some point, glad the SMILE PROJECT has finally touched down midpoint. Thanks to all who have made one input or the other and also those who have followed the posts so far. You guys inspire me to be better.
Sometimes people walk through your life and forever leave undeniable prints on it. Some leave scars that others will have to pay for in very unpleasant currencies and others a touch that would spur you to make life more beautiful for other. A lot of times we see people trapped in the “reaction of a moment” and the moments remain fresh to them through different seasons of life. You could see someone who has experienced war jerking at every slam of a door because scenes of the war from years back is still on ’play’ in his mind. I could go on listing different examples but I bet loads of people can relate to being ‘stuck in a moment’ whether good or bad. I’ve had my share.
Talking about being ‘stuck on moments’, Jennie’s story is one I wouldn’t forget in a very long while. Never met her before but met someone who narrated the story. Jennifer was a pretty and hard-working lady. She had spent a couple of years working for a blue chip company and she was as devoted as devoted could be but her promotion seemed to be taking too long to show up. Nevertheless, she never stopped being the sweet lady she was. Everyone could testify that she was beyond the pretty frame eyes couldn’t deny. She indeed had a beautiful heart. She was one those created with caring for other engraved on their heart. She could figuratively pluck her eyes out for another in need of them. Her husband Barry could testify to that. They seemed like a very happy couple and people were naturally drawn to them because of their accommodating nature. They have a get together from time to time and it was always a full house. Joan who happens to be Jennie’s best friend was her ‘partner in care’. They were always cooking up new menu to thrill the taste bud of their guests. Barry who could be really reserved would sneak out of his shell to be up and about with his gentle mischief. It was always fun all the way and it left them exhausted at the end of the day especially with the clearing up which Jennifer was not really a fan of so Joan and Barry were always on duty for that. They would gist; jest, tease and laugh their way through the clearing so much so that Jennie would not be able to hide her being envious of their flow and that also gave them something more to laugh about. Joan was fondly called Barry’s second wife.
Monday morning soon came after an eventful weekend and it brought favor along for Jennie who got to work to find her promotion letter waiting. Finally, the reward for her hard work and kind heartedness showed up and it did in a big way for her. Greater pay, Way better car and an all expense paid training / vacation trip to Italy. Every one celebrated with her like the promotion was personal or so it seem. The excitement was just something else. All was set for the 2weeks trip and it was a scene at the airport with quite a number of friends there to see her off. They made it seem like she was relocating. Joan’s presence was understandable but for the others, it really wowed her. It was time for boarding and so all the hugs and kisses exchange began. Barry just had a quiet smile on his face. It was like he had “I’m missing you badly already” written on his face. They just seemed so fond of each other and really they were. Oya o!!! Time to board! Joan said as their goodbye kiss seemed to be taking too long and they could hear the finally boarding call announcement from the airport’s PA system. It sure was going to be a lonely night for Barry.
At about 1am the next morning, there was some movement and squeaking sound from the gate, the estate was quiet but Barry couldn’t hear. The guy don go! With the air conditioning system doing what it was made to do and soft Rhythm & Blues love song gently playing on, it making hearing the sound difficult. The squeaking sound made its way to the door and at this point, someone had access into the living room downstairs. The lights were flicked on and revealed that it was Jennie:). Her flight was cancelled and the airline’s hotel offer did not entice her in anyway. She would rather spend it with her husband and head back for the rescheduled flight the next day. She carefully locks the doors, switched off the lights and quietly heads upset being careful not to wake Barry. She opens the door and the cool air and soft music embraced her. Barry was still very much awake and she could see the shock on his face as he stammered Honey!!!! She was smiling and making her way to hug him on their king-sized bed when the door of the toilet opened and Joan unconscious of what was happening made her way half-naked out of the bathroom. At that instance, words and exclamation failed Jennie. Her mouth was moving but words unheard. It was like a silent scream. No one could hear but in her heart she was screaming at the top of her voice. She managed to mutter Joan! You!!! and Barry! Why? as she managed to move her crushed self out of the room.
Now the shock for me was the expression she decided to voice the raging venom inside her with. She 1st sat on the stairs wailing like a mother who just lost her only child. She groaned like a mother in labor (not like I’ve ever seen one before safe for in movies). Barry and Joan made their way out of the room and tried to apologize with a flood of tears and it became a party of tears and wailing. After about 45mins of tears and apologies, Jennie held Barry and Joan’s hands still in tears and began to pray to God for their forgiveness. That for me at 1st hear was absolutely incredible as I watched Barry narrated story like he was speaking of another and pointed to a lady sitting close by as Jennie and himself as the guy who committed the atrocity. The crowd in the made shocking sounds as they stretched their neck to see The greatest lesson in this for me was when he said what really broke him was that he got a response that was not proportional to his offense. It simply defied the ‘an eye for an eye’ system of life. He said she was justified to hurt him and Joan or even filed for a divorce but responding in an undeserving way struck him in greater ways than otherwise would have done and their family has walked through that difficult time to be stronger and happier for it building trust with each passing day.
BE different! Teach someone forgiveness by forgiving
Teaching someone to love by loving
Teach someone how to make another smile

I see smiles as something that attracts and radiates joy both within and without. It also expresses and radiates beauty. I smile because i want the above to be part of me.
What makes me smile?
Jokes and funny fast experiences makes me smile,
Being with people I love makes me smile,
I smile when I’m happy and even when I’m hurt because Its a way to manage tension and remind myself that it will be well. -Ibero Grace Chibuzo