Operation Smile
“My daughter is NOT a demon!” Luthando glared at the village elder.
His wife had fled months ago, not able to face the shame brought on their family. He walked home past the local clinic, ignoring the mean looks of gossips along the street.
Classmates pushed her down onto the muddy path, and she ran home crying.
Luthando gently wrapped her in his arms. Calmer then, she looked up and he recalled a poster on the clinic door—Operation Smile, free surgery for qualified children.
Three months later, he gasped as the bandages were removed, the cleft palate gone forever.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWhat a lovely story, Preston. Good job. Was it because of the cleft palate, his daughter was labelled a demon? What was the cause of the cleft palate?
Thanks Thompson! Yes, even today in some societies, physical deformities may be believed to be caused by some moral failure in the family or the individual affected. As to causation, cleft palates are usually isolated birth defects or an inherited genetic condition. Luckily they are treatable and there are organizations (like Operation Smile) who provide free services in many areas of the world.
It was a lovely read, Preston. I am happy that the cleft palate was totally gone forever. Thanks to the doctor who helped her with her operation. She can now show her best and sweet smile.
I can feel the father’s anger and anguish as he defends his daughter from judgmental people, “My daughter is NOT a demon!” Luthando glared at the village elder. ”
Well done.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks so much Lotchie!
You’re most welcome, Preston.
Your picture of that beautiful little girl smiling won me over even before I’d read the story, Preston! Children can be so cruel but adults have no excuse. I remember an ex England Football Team Manager stating that the disabled were being punished for sins in a former life! He actually believed that! Unsurprisingly, his contract was terminated. What a wonderful organisation – Operation Smile – and such a fitting title for… Read more »
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks Linda! With all the horrible news, it’s nice to know some organizations still carry on with this type of selfless work, motivated only by their sense of humanity and empathy for those less fortunate than most of us.
This is a lovely picture chosen for a lovely story, Preston. I’m that person that believes all children are beautiful, cleft palate and all. But I’m happy she qualified for surgery. Great work!
Thanks so much Melissa. It felt good to write a story with a good outcome after a number of fairly bleak ones. ?
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with Google