Operation Beautiful

Noah and I took part in "Operation Beautiful" which entailed leaving sticky Post It notes on mirrors, signs, fridges, and anywhere for that matter with the message "You Are Beautiful." Living in a world where Beauty is often defined by shape, size, attractiveness, youth, etc., it can often be discouraging for those of us that do not fit into that mold. The idea is that we are surrounded by Beautiful People...and what makes them Beautiful is the Beauty they possess in their heart.

I think it is a Beautiful Thing that every morning there is a woman standing on the corner to see my child safely across the street. She always has a smile on her face. I think an Educator that cares for my child enough to instill a love and desire for learning is a Beautiful Person. I think the four Hispanic Men that were working in the fields tending to the produce that was soon to be harvested are Beautiful People. Beautiful People are literally everywhere.

I am sure the few followers I have, have heard of NieNie and the NieNie Dialogues. I have not been a regular follower, because 1) I so desperately wanted to find my own voice and 2) It was just too incredibly painful. Nie Nie and her husband, Christian are fortunate to be alive. A year ago, they were in a plane crash. Their bodies badly burned, their hearts badly broken, their mental state badly bruised, their children badly traumatized...It would be a long road before them. Anyone reading Nie Nie's blog could see the Beauty she possessed, not only for her appearance and class, but for the wonderful mother that she was and is today...going above and beyond to celebrate the greatness in the little things of life.

My mother had mentioned to me that it had been a year since the accident and that Nie Nie was hoping to hike to the "Y" with her Mr. Nielson by her side. Curious as to whether or not she was able to achieve this goal, I checked the "Nie Nie Dialogues."There were photos of family and friends as she and Christian made their way to the "Y." I was overcome with emotion. I scrolled down even further and there was a photo of her Mr. Nielson gazing into her eyes and Nie Nie looking up into his, with a smile on her face...and I was humbled. How is it that they are facing such adversity with smiles on their faces and hope in their hearts. As I continued to study the photograph, the words "Now that is Beautiful..." played in my mind. The courage, the memories, the loss, the scars, the heartache, the pain and then to read her words...so positive and uplifting and finding the joy in life. I was utterly amazed and speechless. Beautiful Moments take your breath away and I was having one.

What I learned from Noah: Operation Beautiful was defined in a whole new light.

What I learned from Nie Nie and her Mr. Nielson: Love is the most Beautiful Thing of all and though the flames of fire can nearly take away your face, it does not have to take away your Beauty.