He asked me to Smile .....

2011 Monday, Feb 14, Sunny Skies.

The other day, when I was driving home from work, my feelings and my thoughts still so overwhelmed with sadness thinking about Dad, a song, not just any songs, but one of his favourites, came over the radio.

At that moment, everything stopped. And I felt like, my Dad knew what I was going through and had wanted to comfort me, asking me to be strong, be happy - just look for the silver linings in the clouds.

I felt him close, so close..... it was as if he was talking to me, telling me how he would want me to go on with my life.

And, he said to me ~

" Smile though your heart is aching
  Smile even though it’s breaking
  When there are clouds in the sky you’ll get by

  If you smile through your fear and sorrow
  Smile and maybe tomorrow
  You’ll see the sun come shining through for you

  Light up your face with gladness
  Hide every trace of sadness
  Although a tear may be ever so near
  That’s the time you must keep on trying
  Smile what’s the use of crying
  You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
  If you just smile

  When there are clouds in the sky
  You’ll get by if you smile
  And maybe tomorrow
  You’ll see the sun come shining through for you

  Light up your face with gladness
  Hide every trace of sadness
  Although a tear may be ever so near
  That’s the time you must keep on trying
  Smile what’s the use of crying
  You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
  If you just smile "

There were no stopping the tears that flowed down my face. It was just like him, to always look at a glass half full in any situation, as he believed there is always a bright side to things no matter how bad it may be. Thus, when you have an optimistic outlook on and about the situation, and in life as well, half the battle is won.

Dad's famous gapped-tooth grin

That was what he used to say to me when I am stucked in a dilemma or when I am being difficult. And this time, there is no difference. No matter how dire and gut-wrenching it may be, he would want me to smile, through my tears, fears and all. Face it like a good girl should.


So, I will try. It is a lot of hard work, but, I will try. For him and for me.


But give me time, Dad. It is not so easy this time 'round, but, I promise I will try. I will try to win this battle, but I'll be on my own this time.......

Yes, I know, Dad. You won't let me walk alone.


I Love You, Dad.


Trying to smile again,
Su Yi

p.s. the song played on air was Josh Groban's Smile.