How many of us would be able to walk around without teeth because they had rotted out, with shoes that were barely being held together, stinky because we rarely took baths, and coming from a home where our mother is an alcoholic and still be able to brighten peoples day? I know for myself I could let a day turn sour just because "I don't feel pretty today". To be completely honest I could let something that trivial in life ruin my day at times and in the process lose any care I could have in regards to the people around me. Because I have a day where I don't feel pretty I'll become completely focused on ME and lose all patience if someone dares to ask me to do something I don't feel like doing.
You know what though? NOT FRANKIE! Frankie is a 5 year old little boy at Graceland Creche and he falls into each of the categories I described above. His mouth holds 4 molars that are brown and black, but surprisingly have not fallen out like the rest of his teeth yet....healthy children typically lose their teeth because their 'adult teeth' are getting ready to come in but rambunctious Frankie lost his because they were rotten. Frankie's shoes are really almost pointless because they are so full of holes and too small at that. It's safe to say that Frankie doesn't get a bath regularly....you can tell just by looking at him....and of course factoring in that he comes from a home where alcohol very negatively affects his mom...it's really not surprising that he seems...neglected...to put it nicely.
You know what though? Frankie without fail has a big toothless smile to offer you as soon as he sees you and a big hug from him is never far behind that smile. He is one of the children who have blessed me so much. He makes me feel like my time here in South Africa, away from my family, friends, and life, is worth it.
Even though people can look at him and understandably feel sad for how he is growing up, Frankie touches the hearts of every person who walks onto the premises of Graceland Creche. His obvious lack when it comes to basic healthcare and attention at home does not keep him from dishin out love through his hugs and smiles. When I think about Frankie I can't help but re-think the way I live my life....the way I allow the small things that are just simply part of life ruin my day.
You know what though? NOT FRANKIE! Frankie is a 5 year old little boy at Graceland Creche and he falls into each of the categories I described above. His mouth holds 4 molars that are brown and black, but surprisingly have not fallen out like the rest of his teeth yet....healthy children typically lose their teeth because their 'adult teeth' are getting ready to come in but rambunctious Frankie lost his because they were rotten. Frankie's shoes are really almost pointless because they are so full of holes and too small at that. It's safe to say that Frankie doesn't get a bath regularly....you can tell just by looking at him....and of course factoring in that he comes from a home where alcohol very negatively affects his mom...it's really not surprising that he seems...neglected...to put it nicely.
You know what though? Frankie without fail has a big toothless smile to offer you as soon as he sees you and a big hug from him is never far behind that smile. He is one of the children who have blessed me so much. He makes me feel like my time here in South Africa, away from my family, friends, and life, is worth it.
Even though people can look at him and understandably feel sad for how he is growing up, Frankie touches the hearts of every person who walks onto the premises of Graceland Creche. His obvious lack when it comes to basic healthcare and attention at home does not keep him from dishin out love through his hugs and smiles. When I think about Frankie I can't help but re-think the way I live my life....the way I allow the small things that are just simply part of life ruin my day.
I came to South Africa with the intentions of loving on kids like Frankie...and of course I've done that...and of course I knew that in the process of loving on Frankie I would benefit also....but it really is amazing how much this little guy has impacted me since I've been here. How much his attitude.... which I've decided is best described by the phrase "smile even though" has made me really look at how I approach frustrating days. I've come to the conclusion that if Frankie can smile even when he has no teeth.....even when he smells and is just plain dirty....even when he doesn't get the attention and love that every 5 year old deserves from their mommy...even when a sock would provide more protection than his shoes do.....then surely I can smile even when I have a day where I don't feel pretty....don't feel like going to work...
Just smile....bet you'll be surprised how smiling...even if forced at first can change your day.
Frankie :-)
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