One smile that could brighten your day…

By mslny

Thanks to all of you who participated in our Bright Holiday Moments Contest. We’re proud to announce that “Rinky” with her story of “A Smile That Could Brighten Any Day“ is our grand prize winner! Read her touching tale of one New Years Story that meant the world to her and her family.

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It was New Years Eve and it appeared as though my water broke. For most people it would be cause to celebrate but I was incredibly concerned because my baby wasn’t due for just over two months from that night. We rushed to the hospital worried that something was terribly wrong. When we got to the hospital I learned that I was, in fact, in labor.

They informed me that they would do all they can to keep my baby healthy and inside for as long as possible but there was only so much they could do. Keep in mind it was my second birth and my first daughter was born with a developmental disability. I feared that this time things would be worse.

The challenge begins

We were able to hold off the birth until January third, but that’s when we knew it was time. In a matter of two pushes she was born, all 3lbs 14oz of her. She was tiny, and jaundiced but she came out with her fists clenched and screaming a beautiful healthy song. Given her size and condition, she had to stay in the hospital in an incubator for about a week. When I got to see her, I knew she would be alright, even though her head was as big as my fingers are long (and I don’t have long lady-like fingers)

A Baby Alien or Just a Baby?

And like most babies she looked so worried and confused to have entered this world. She was almost like a baby alien. But in the end, my husband snapped this photo that embodies what this New Years, and New Life are all about. That smile is brighter than any light or candle.

A perfect smile