A fellow parishioner, Roy, at my beloved Saint Leo's Church in Little Italy always wears a smile: as he serves on the altar, as he processes in uniform with the Knights of Columbus Color Guard, as he lectors from the podium reading Liturgy, and in his other capacities as event manager and volunteer coordinator.

During Mass, I like to look over to Roy to watch him smile perpetually. It's like he has his own little constant secret. I can almost see the happy thoughts swirling around in his mind. Or maybe he is just very much in the moment enjoying whatever post he is serving that day. (Volunteering will do that to a person.)

In any case, Roy's smiling is very contagious.

I like to smile at people in public walking past: on the beach, in the mall, on the street. It is an easy activity to self-engage. No sweat off my face, nor do I even have to utter a word. And guess what? They smile back.

And how cool is this - smiling is universal. So you don't even have to be speaking English, or Italian, or whatever language, with another person. You can just speak SMILING.

Sometimes I catch my face with knotted brows, and I correct them. Sometimes I make myself smile while I am on the phone - that's supposed to come through on the other end. How nice.

What's your face doing right now? What does your face do mostly?

Are you smiling enough? 

"Your SNIPPETS was wonderful, as usual. I could feel your pain and it brought back memories and feelings of that very strange universe we all enter when someone we love unconditionally leaves this world. It feels like we will never be the same again or that the feeling will never go away. Thankfully, with time we heal and not totally as we are forever changed.

I so miss the people I have lost in my family and continue to talk to them and hold on to the funny and beautiful moments I had. I know they are in a beautiful place with God and that gives me such great comfort. It does not take away the pain that I sometimes feel and wish they were still here to hug, laugh, and love. I am so grateful for the love of my family and friends and the beautiful blessing God has given us here on earth. It will come to an end someday but I hold on to what we have, not what we have lost." 

~ MK in Maryland

"You have really touched so many of us, Suzanne, and thank you for sharing your beautifully written feelings and emotions."

~ Susan in Maryland

"I don't have a 'place' but I have the ability to get my mind off something 'horrible' for a day. I was asked once, in an accusatory manner: How could I just separate myself like that? My reply was, 'The scenario would still be there tomorrow but I would be refreshed.' Something we all NEED to survive!!"

~ Joanne in New York

"I am so glad you were in Florida healing ... a little. Nourishment indeed. Glad you are getting both. You and your family continue to be in my daily prayers/talks with God."

~ Amy in Maryland

"Your 'good to giggle' made me LOL today! Thanks for the belly laugh!"

~ Kelly in Maryland

"Wonderful as usual."

~ Judy in Ohio



Cool Kids Campaign is looking for additional businesses in the Baltimore County, Maryland, community to participate in their TREES OF HOPE through December 31, 2023.

What are Trees of Hope? An annual holiday toy drive in which 3-foot artificial trees are displayed inside a business, company, or retail space, decorated with ornaments with kids' gift wishes and most requested items for Cool Kids Care Package program.

What is the Care Package Program? Cool Kids sends customized care packages to kids newly diagnosed with cancer - at the request of the family or a friend. The box is stuffed with a child's favorite items, toys, and favorites, along with Cool Kids swag, a gift for each sibling, and gift cards and coffee for the caregivers (donated by Baltimore Coffee & Tea).

If your company is interested in hosting a tree this holiday season, email Allison Wilt at allison@coolkidscampaign.org.

When you're happy

it follows you around