“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”    —Phyllis Diller

Nurses have been brushing  Vernon’s teeth for six weeks, ever since his jaw was un-wired.  But he almost always resists, tightening his mouth to foreign objects like toothbrushes and dental suctions.  I don’t blame him. I sometimes wonder if he thinks he is being experimented on by aliens disguised as humans. I wouldn’t want to be poked and prodded everyday by strangers in an unrecognizable environment either.

But today, when a nurse asked him to open up his mouth so she could brush his teeth, he immediately and trustingly opened.  Then he did it again even though he new what was coming.  He seemed to enjoy the experience, rather than fight it.  I was astonished, as I hadn’t seen him so willing to take commands from any of the staff yet.

When she was done, she jokingly said: “Smile!”

And he did.

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It’s not a very clear picture,  but I’m glad I even caught this. It was such a joyous moment of surprise!  Made my day.

Vernon’s light is beginning to shine once again.

 

 

 

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