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TITLE: Be A Memory Maker
By Linda Miller
07/02/04

My first day of school so many years ago, in a little kindergarten class, is somewhat of a blur after all these years. There are two things I remember quite clearly though. One of those memories is of a little boy coming into the schoolroom and screaming at the top of his lungs for his mommy not to leave him. He clung to her dress, crying and distraught. I remember sitting in a circle with the other kindergarteners, our eyes big and wary, watching what his mommy would do. She swept him out of the room and we did not see him again until the next day. After that he seemed to be fine, but that first day of school for little Kurt was too much for him to handle.

The other memory that has stayed with me all these years is Miss Brooms’ smile. Our teacher smiled at us all the time. I loved when we sang songs that first day and she smiled at me from the piano. I don’t even remember if she was particularly pretty or not. I just remember her smile. It helped me to become part of the class and not just a lonely, scared child. I was a very shy little girl and wasn’t very outgoing but when Miss Broom smiled at me I felt I could do anything. I am sure I always smiled back because her smile made me feel good.

Her smile didn’t help little Kurt on the first day of school because he didn’t take time to notice it. Nevertheless, I know her smile wiped away much of his fear and helped a frightened little boy throughout that school year. She had him in the palm of her hand by the time we said goodbye for the summer.

Her smile could have melted the hardest heart in the universe. I learned to tell time, tie my shoelaces and play well with others during kindergarten but the best lesson learned was how a smile could build a person up and help form a bridge between two people.

Smiles are free for the giving and taking. They are an easy way to give to others every day. I am always taken aback when I see so many people who don’t smile anymore. So many employees in stores are sour faced and dour looking. A smile, or lack thereof, can change someone’s outlook in a moment, either good or bad.

I remember occasions when someone smiled at me, people I didn’t even know, and it made my day. I think back to that first day of kindergarten and Miss Broom and her smile. It was a comforting, loving and kind smile. A smile to brighten any child’s day and make us feel like everything is going to be all right. It was a smile of encouragement and so enjoyable to be around.

As a customer service representative for many years I have always felt a smile on my face made all the difference while talking on the telephone. People “see” smiles by your voice tone and sunny disposition. Even bad news comes easier when someone is smiling and understanding on the other end of the telephone.

At an uncles’ funeral this past week we had a wonderful memory picture from his children on how he made their lives enjoyable. We all laughed at their special memories of him and it made the funeral that much more bearable. We knew we would see him again in heaven one day and that was the best comfort, but it was good to smile and laugh through our sorrow.

Make an effort to smile this week. I challenge you to smile at everyone you see. Even if they don’t smile back, even if they don’t see your smile, even if they don’t say anything – smile! If nothing else, it will help you and your outlook. Smile at the children around you! It might just be a memory in the making for a little one who needs that little burst of comfort or encouragement. Be like Miss Broom and let your smile shine for others to see and enjoy! Be a memory maker!

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