The Most Beautiful Smile

I had to hold back my tears when I first heard this story; I find it quite touching.
If you are more proficient in Chinese, please skip my poor translation and view the original, Chinese version : http://www.dfg.hk/gb/jtjy/qzp/38-zuimei.htm

Here's my simple translation of the story :

On 8 Mar 2008, at the TV programme, 'China Mothers', the list of China's ten most outstanding mothers was announced. The stories of these mothers were also shared and the utmost motherly virtues of Xiong Li touched the hearts of all in China.

Xiong Li was from XianTaoShi in the province of Hubei and was a performer of the local Huagu folk art. She was then 28 years old. On the Dec of 2006, she was six months pregnant and was travelling home after a performance. Unfortunately, a terrible accident happened. A cargo truck, loaded with high temperature alkali collided violently with the passenger vehicle which Xiong Li was travelling in. The heavy impact from the collision caused the alkali to spurt from the cargo truck and Xiong Li's whole body was splashed with the dangerous alkali.

During the collision, Xiong Li had sub-consciously used both her hands to hold her abdomen area tightly. Her face, back and four limbs suffered from serious burns and there was a bone fracture in her right leg. She suffered the worst injury among all passengers. When the medical team arrived and gently moved away both her hands, they found a distinct mark in the shape of two palms on the abdomen area where no signs of burn was observed.

After examination by medical professionals, they concluded that substantial amount of antibiotics were required to control the ensuing infection and skin grafting were also necessary for Xiong Li's treatment. In this way, her looks might recover and she might be able to resume her performance in the future. However, the use of antibiotics and anaesthetic would cause a miscarriage. Xiong Li's family members decided to save the adult first. After Xiong Li regained her consciousness, she knew of her family's decision and with tears in her eyes, she pleaded, "I don't want to use medicines, I can't bear to lose my child!"

From that day onwards, in the period of the subsequent 37 days and nights, and without the use of any anaesthetic, Xiong Li suffered great pain that was beyond description. The doctors carried out conservative treatment methods that would not yield any side effects. In addition, they also came up with a plan to protect the baby. In the first operation, the doctors would use the surgery knife to slice away her burnt, decaying skin in small pieces. When the chief doctor asked her if she wanted the anaesthetic, she shook her head and replied, "As long I do not die of pain on the surgical bed, just let it pain."

During that night of operation, under extreme degree of excruciating pains, Xiong Li strongly used her teeth to hold onto the pillow. She bit till her lips started to bleed. Looking at the pain-killer medicine that was easily within her reach, her defense against the pain almost crumble. Xiong Li's hushand was by her side and could no longer bear to watch her. He pleaded with the doctor to give her the pain-killer jab. Suddenly, there seem to be an outburst of energy connecting mother and the unborn child, and Xiong Li vigorously shook her head to refuse the jab.

Without the use of medicine, the multiple small and big wounds on Xiong Li's body started to fester and deteriorate, the wound on her leg had even deepened to the bone area. Whenever the nurse came to nurse her wounds, she had to force herself to hold back her tears.

At the end of Jan 2007, Xiong Li suffered from high fever of 40 Degrees Celcius and the baby's heart beat quickened. The doctors conducted an emergency examination of her condition and came up with a plan for induced birth. On 2nd Feb, Xiong Li smoothly gave birth to a 2.7 kg child. That day was exactly 37 days after Xiong Li was warded to the hospital for serious burns.

After giving birth, Xiong Li received extensive skin grafting treatment and her condition was under control. However, as a result of serious infections, the wounds left an indelible mark on her face.

On the year of 2007, Xiong Li received the title of "Ten Most Outstanding Mothers who Touched the Hearts of Hubei Province".

A student from Wuhan University was deeply touched. In the student's letter to Xiong Li, it said, "The merciless accident had presented you with a totally different kind of stage. Previously, you were a shinning star on stage. After the accident, fate had mercilessly forced you into the dark corners of life. You have made the choice of facing the fate of disfigurement in order to play the Greatest role in the stage of life - the role of a Mother."

The relationship between mother and child is a deep one. The coming of a new life in a mother's body signals the start of a life journey between two closely-knitted hearts. Nurturing this new and tender life is a mother's Heavenly duty. How can we bear to simply abandon it with all sorts of reasons? Furthermore, there are many young mothers who do things impulsively, or due to the concerns of looks and figures, or consider it troublesome to bring up a child; have eventually chosen abortion. After reading Xiong Li's story, we should seriously reflect and exercise the greatest caution in our deeds.

The greatest career belongs to that of a mother. Great sages, virtuous and wise men and women in History are the result of virtuous mothers who play an important role in the nurturing and education of their child. Hence, mothers contribute greatly to the peace and stability of the nation. The accomplishment and success of all other careers that women undertake are not able to replace their role and accomplishment in nurturing their child. At the juncture between life and death, Xiong Li had sub-consciously used her hands to shielf her abdomen area instead of her face. From that moment onwards, she persisted in holding onto her initial decision and choice of keeping her baby instead of returning to the stage as a performer.

On one hand, we see many career-minded women going after careers in our modern times. On the other hand, we see Xiong Li, using her virtuous love to carry out the decision and choice that had been made by mothers since ancient times and mothers in the future. Although she had lost her good looks, her haggard and weary face still showed signs of loving smile when she looked at her dear baby. Radiance of pure motherly virtues emitted from her smile, that was indeed the most beautiful smile on Earth!

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Original Chinese version : http://www.dfg.hk/gb/jtjy/qzp/38-zuimei.htm

News link : http://news.sina.com.cn/s/p/2007-05-18/150613020805.shtml