The Price Of A Smile
The Price Of A Smile
I was born into old money. I grew up with new money, and then I had no money.
I was born in a third world country, Vietnam. My family was once influential and wealthy, but war changed our fortunes.
Still, I was fortunate
My entrepreneurial parents built successful businesses, providing me with a life of privilege while millions around us struggled.
Life was good until the day my father was framed for a crime he didn’t commit.
When you have everything, your friends know who you are.
When you have nothing, you know who your friends are.
We lost our business, our comfortable lifestyle, and most painfully, our social circle. The same people who once eagerly sought our help now couldn't be bothered to return our calls.
My mother decided it was time for a fresh start. We left Vietnam with nothing, hoping to rebuild our lives in Canada.
In Vietnam, everyone thinks North America is heaven, but sadly in reality, it's often the opposite.
Starting a life in a new country is hard, but starting a new life with nothing is much harder.
I went from being a spoiled child with a maid to living in a 150 square foot room in a century-old house. Like Sara Crewe in "The Little Princess," I became a pauper overnight.
School was a struggle. I couldn't understand the language, and my classmates bullied me. I kept my troubles to myself, not wanting to burden my already overwhelmed mother.
I thought this cold land was better than my home, but nobody really wanted me.
On a freeze cold February day, I was on my way to class when a stranger looked at me and smiled. It was the first time I saw someone smiling at me in a long time. It felt genuine to me. It made me believe that my life would get better. I will never forget that lady and her smile. That moment changed my life.
The best things in life are free; the second best are expensive. — Coco Chanel
From that day forward, I vowed to treat everyone I met with the warmth of family.
A smile costs nothing, but it can mean the world to someone.
From that day on, I promised myself I would always smile and treat everyone I met like they were family.
A smile costs nothing, but it can mean the world to someone.
Your journey of challenges are inspiring and empowering, Cammi, accentuated by an effortless smile that brightened a kid’s heart and infused it with abundant life.
‘Keep Living Well, Loving and Shining!
In my tradition too, a smile is considered an act of charity. It is a good deed that can change someone’s outlook. I also experienced this kind of lifestyle change leaving the ease of Bangladesh to starting a new life in America. What a beautiful reminder, thank you.