the start of an ongoing journey

{nats gentle smile}

              Natalie Wright. Born with a brain tumor on her brain stem, diagnosed at the age of two. Has had three brain surgeries at the ages of 2, 4 and 10. Left side paralysis her whole life, could not swallow for 4 years and does not have the balance like everyone else. Natalie has had a very different childhood. She is now almost 16 years old and today she flies out to Iowa City for the happiest surgery of her life. She gets to have her smile "fixed". I don't like to use that term however, she has smiled her whole life. Every single morning when she wakes up she does not stop singing and smiling to her favorite tunes from One Direction. I guarantee she is the happiest morning person you will ever meet. Her smile gets looked at and occasionally laughed at, but that doesn't stop her endless grin. She enjoys life. Natalie has a thrive for life and lives each day like it matters. 
             This surgery is a blessing. A true miracle. Her whole life has been a combination of so many miracles. From the countless prayers and fasting's the Wright family has been incredibly blessed. I'm so excited to share Natalie's story. Her smile is a symbol of hope. Hope that good can come from bad, and that things can get better no matter what. 
             A smile can go so far. I look forward to the days when someone who is just so sweet flashes their unique smile at me in the halls of school. I'm so happy for Natalie. This is all she's wanted and dreamed about for years. She deserves it. My family has been helped and cared for by so many. Too many to even count. We are truly grateful. Enjoy life like Natalie has and remember her all time favorite quote, "Live. Laugh. Love"

~dont forget how far your smile can go. the joy it can spread. and the happiness it can express.~