A New Reason to Smile

Iam Russian, but for the last five years, I’ve lived in Kansas. What brought me to this country was my American husband, John. I work in a department store, where my coworkers pronounce my Russian name so sweetly. Every time I hear it, I feel as though my mom is embracing me.

In my native country, people believe that Americans always keep big smiles on their faces even if they don’t have a real reason to do so. The American smile, the Russians have decided, is not genuine.

Last year, John encouraged me to go see my mom back in Russia. My manager even gave me a month off for the trip. (When you live an ocean apart from your family, you need at least a month to visit them.) I bought a plane ticket and packed my suitcase. Then came COVID-19. My mood became gray as I realized I couldn’t go see my mom.

A couple of weeks later, my sweet coworker, Miss Donna, asked me, “So what’s happening with your trip to Russia?” I told her that I had to cancel it and that I wouldn’t be able to see my mom this year.

Miss Donna didn’t say anything at first. Then she put on a big American smile and said, “Well, you can come over and see my mom!”

Oh, my Lord! (That’s what my husband always says when he’s at a loss for words.) Imagine, a mom for loan! I honestly don’t know whether I would offer the same to someone in need of a mother’s warmth, but my new people sure would do it for me. I know that because of the virus you shouldn’t hug friends, but you can still embrace someone’s heart. That’s how my heart felt at that moment: hugged. So, yes, believe me, the American smile is genuine.

*Sometimes 100 words just aren’t enough!