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 fear and sorrow
Smile, and there'll be tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
If you'll....
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'll just....
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'll just....
Smile


When I was in high school (many moons ago), I decided I wanted to find all the songs that were about 'SMILES'.  Believe it or not, there was no internet, and the card catalog at the library wasn't helping me much; so I would keep my ears open for songs on the radio or any mention of this type of a song.  The first song I found was this one above.  The music was written by silent film star Charlie Chaplin, the lyrics were added by John Turner, and Geoffrey Parsons.  There have been M A N Y artists who have sung this song Judy Garland, Tony Bennett; Eric Clapton, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole; Sammy Davis Jr.; Robert Downey Jr., Jimmy Durante, MY FAVORITES, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Jackson (this was his favorite song), and Elvis Costello {who I think Russell Crowe sounded like in 'Les Miserables', I just kept thinking Elvis Costello, Elvis Costello, and it made his voice acceptable} just to name a few.  (Yes, I am old)

This whole process is a very S  L  O  W moving one, until you get your treatment plan (then I hear it goes faster....we'll see).  I could be frustrated, but am so happy that I have decided to take it day by day.  I am choosing to smile.  I find about my treatment plan one week from tomorrow and yes, it does scare me a bit, smiles shall prevail (talking to myself).  When I tell some people that I am going through with chemo and/or radiation, whatever is recommended by the oncologist, their faces are full of confusion, "you still have to do that?".  I don't HAVE to, I guess I am choosing to.  I said to Keith I guess I could be done with everything and just go on with my life if I chose to?  But, I am not choosing that road.

This week I received a card from a dear friend with a quote from Jeffrey R. Holland which read,

"When you are confronted with challenges that are difficult to conquer or have questions arise, the answer to which you do not know; hold fast to the things you do know.  Hand on to your firmest foundation, however limited that may be, and from the position of strength face the unknown."

I have read and re-read that quote many times, and with a SMILE on my face I think how comforting.