Just try and smile

I have heard people say that a young child suffering a serious illness may be one of the happiest people you may ever meet. I wondered, how could this be?

Last night I watched as a three-year-old girl suffering cancer invited a young man to sit on the floor and play puzzels with her. The two had never met but this didn't seem to phase her. She played happily as he helped her fit the pieces together as though they were the oldest of friends. She smiled and laughed, happy as ever to sit and play with her new found friend. When she had had enough of the puzzels she decided it was time for a quick game of hide-and-seek between the couches before putting on some music and having a dance around. The smile never once left the face of this little girl. It was pure happiness if I had ever seen it.

I sat in awe of the two friends soon finding that their smiles were contagious. I then began to wonder, how is it that a beautiful little Angel who by the age of three has suffered more than most people will know in a lifetime, can be constantly happy and smiling? This was not the first time I had wittnessed this little girl having the time of her life, the only time I have ever seen her even slightly distressed is when her Mum tears her away from her fun for bed time.

I began to think about how selfish my everyday worries and rotten mood swings are. Compared to this beautiful little girl I know nothing about suffering or pain, yet I constantly find myself angry, upset or complaining about one thing or another. Why is it that we seem to forget that there is always someone worse off than us? But I suppose that before meeting this little girl and others like her, I never really believed that.

The mother of another ill child I have recently met told me a story of when her son was just 8. She had watched as during a day of treatment at the hospital he made friends with a group of other sick children. The small group played together through out the day smiling and laughing, happy as ever to have made new friends. The mother told me that she never once saw a tear or frown on any of their faces. Later that night the mother said to her son, "You had a great time with the other children today, It was good how you all made friends so easily", this young boy replied saying, "Well yeah Mum, it's easy to be friends, we're all in the same spirit."


These words touched me deeply and have made me think...

When I feel like things are tough I'll remind myself of the words of that child
And just try and smile.