In a crowd, my family could be easily picked out- dark, brown hair with small streaks of auburn weaved in; accompanied by a narrow nose and eager eyes. We have similar features all around, even our smiles. My brothers and I get our smile from our father. Soft, small lips open slightly to reveal mostly straight teeth. My younger brother and my teeth are a little straighter than the rest from our years of braces. Our smiles are like dimes compared to dollars; not too big, but meaningful.

But My mother’s smile, my mother’s smile, is full. It invites you in like you’re an old friend. It is like the warmth you feel holding a cup of coffee in the morning. The laughter that escapes her mouth is contagious and cannot be withheld. Her smile sings, talks, comforts, and always says the right things. Her smile stands out, in the best way possible.