The young fellow with his arms & legs drapped over the tree Tom Sawyer-style is one of the most precious people in the world to me. Yet, even if he were not my oldest grandson I would love that smile of his.

   Almost every one of us carries potential magic in our faces. That is the quantum energy we can generate for ourselves and others simply by shaping our complex range of facial muscles into a smile. 

   As a caregiver you know the power of expressions in illuminating or darkening the life of your patients and fellow caregivers. Love is part of your healing work. 

   1952 was the first year I became aware of how a smile can impact the world stage. That year then-General Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower ran for President.

  Red, white and blue "I LIKE IKE" buttons sprouted on lapels and dresses throughout my Westwood Village neighborhood. Every campaign poster & bumper sticker bore an image of the friendliest face I could imagine.

   Ike looked like my grandfather – like many people's grandfathers. I wondered how anyone could not like a person like that? 

   A lot of elements favored Eisenhower's election. Yet, it may have been Ike's smile that insured his victory.

   His opponent, Adlai Stevenson, was probably much smarter and better educated. But, the energy conveyed in Eisenhower's smile lit up the nation.  

   Whether offered to a tiny group or an entire population, smiles transform energy. Try one on right now and watch the light rise. 

-Erie Chapman