Celebrating Mother and Her Smile

               

Frequently, at age 99, my mother, Bernyce Gates Smith, is complimented on her beautiful smile. This Mother’s Day seemed a good time to explore what contributes to it.

The few photos of Mother until this
senior portrait were very somber - much
like Grandpa's portrait.

                First, genetics passed from her Cherokee descent plays a huge role. God blessed Mother and my maternal grandpa, Calvin Callcayah Smith, with a full mouth and beautiful, straight teeth. These physical traits had to originate with Grandpa’s father, Walter Smith. Mother’s cousin, Elizabeth Purcell Hammer, and I visited many times before her death at age 103. She told of her family living briefly with her maternal grandparents after her family’s house burned and spoke of her grandpa encouraging her and her sisters to dance as my grandpa and his brother, Isaac, played stringed instruments. Immediately, I asked her who Great grandpa Walter resembled. She said, “Your grandpa looked like him more than any of the others.” I deduced Mother’s “mouth” initially “belonged” to her paternal grandpa, since he was categorized as full blood and must come through her Cherokee heritage.

Few Photographs taken in the 1920s
had the subject smiling. Grandpa was
no exception.

                As long as I can remember, daily dental care has been of utmost importance in Mother’s life. I have been so imprinted with her routine. Last year, as we returned at 1:30 a.m. from a late-night ER visit, with the assistance of my brother-in-law and sister, we got our drowsy mother into bed. I exclaimed in a guarded voice, “But she has not brushed and flossed her teeth!” My brother-in-law replied, “Don’t worry about it tonight.”

                For over forty years, Mother faithfully had her dental exams twice a year with Dr. Henderson. She had a good relationship with her dentist whom Dad referred to as Doc. Dr. Gary Henderson and Dad shared interests in cattle raising, flying, and World War II history. Dad looked forward to the dental checks for the visiting they would do.

                With thanks to the Lord for giving her a good set of teeth, Mother’s stringent daily care, and the assistance of a dedicated dentist, Mother still retains her own teeth.

                Often, as she brushes and flosses each night, I remind her health is directly tied to having a good set of teeth so she can eat anything she wants. Other times, we laugh when I remind her of little sign in one of Dr. Henderson’s exam rooms. It stated, “Only floss the teeth you want to keep.”

                Her DNA, her daily dental care, and a dedicated dentist have contributed to her beautiful smile. The most important contributor I have saved for last. A smile originates internally in one’s spirit fueled primarily by one’s attitude.

                Solomon writes in Proverbs 15:13, A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.(ESV) The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon gives insight into retaining “a glad heart” in Proverbs 12:25 with these words, Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.(ESV)

                Anxiety as scripture says, “weighs…” one “down.” Encouraging words from loved ones and friends lift the heavy heart, but nothing can replace the strengthening received from reading God’s Word. Our pastor taught on the life and impact of Ezra and said many attributed Psalm 119 to Ezra’s authorship. In the last phrase of Psalm 119:28, God inspired these words, … strengthen me according to Your word! (ESV) 

                        May we all be challenged to give a smile to all we meet. It costs nothing. Investing in smiling can yield great dividends to yourself and anyone with whom you share the smile. The oldest Big Bend resident would recommend and encourage smiling. It has served her well these 99 years.

Happy Mother’s Day!