Thanks for waiting. In case you missed the preview, find it here, so you know what to expect. If you are not sure what Beneath the Smile is about, please check the preview out.
The project aims at looking beyond the smiles of the next person, to see what’s really beneath, what’s really going on? How people really need help and won’t bother saying anything about it but would rather cover it up with a façade of strength, with a smile.
It’s time to look beneath the smile and lend a helping hand. People are going through real things, these are their stories.
We hope that you’d be kind enough to leave a comment. Your feedback is important to us.
Today’s story was sent in by one of our readers @duchesskk
This is her story.
Please Read.
The ‘Beneath the Smile’ Project.
I don’t know if this is normal, but I remember stuff from when i was 3. Not shadowy memories but real vivid pictures of things I’m sure happened. My story begins from about that time.
At that age i was conscious of the fact that my dad lived somewhere else ’cause every time he came we had special outings: we often went to listen to jazz or just play at the amusement park. I knew my family was happy but I didn’t understand why we had to live apart.
My dad eventually changed jobs and we went to live with him in Jos. The coldest, peaceful place I had ever been in.
In secondary school I remember having just the basic things I needed but somehow people envied me on visiting days because my family would come with lunch and we’d eat together and laugh.
My bond with my dad was so strong. The first time I saw my period I came to where my parents were seated and called my dad aside to tell him. This really upset my mum.
I told my dad almost anything.
It was my sister’s birthday and I was mandated to take food to my neighbours. I heard a knock and when I opened the gate, a man said he wanted to buy eggs from my mom’s poultry. I went to call her but my dad chose to go since she was eating. “who is disturbing my wife at this time?” he asked. I followed closely behind still bent on taking food to the neighbours. We got to the gate and realized the men were armed. As we ran inside I had no fear ’cause my dad was there, ‘He would lock the door then call the police and we would be fine‘- I thought to myself.
When I got into the house I ran to lock the alternative entrance while my mum kept asking confused questions. Then I heard the gunshot.
My dad was gone…
…just like that.
I can’t say I know what hell is like but if it’s pain is worse than what I felt that day, then it’s pain is indeed unbearable. That day something died inside me. When I hold up a front and smile it’s ’cause I know the worst thing happened.
My heart still burns for the man who was shot while shielding his family. The same one who gave me life and promised me heaven and earth again and again
I cover it all up, beneath my smile.
• • •
A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS?
N.B. The project goes on with Tomorrow’s ’Her Story, XII’ by an Anonymous writer.
You can still send in your own true stories to obafuntay@gmail.com
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obafuntay 
I feel your pain cos I lost my dad too. I also lost my mum so I understand what life is without a bread winner. But I always find peace in God’s love and the Holy Spirit is my comforter, helper and senior companion, my trusted friend. I want to introduce Jesus love to you, its all you need.
You don’t need to hide behind all those smiles cos the smile could be real, it could be joy unspeakable
Sad…sad…terrible
Omg! Is this supposed 2 b true? Pls tell me it isn’t. 😥
Wow.. I’m speechless awwww
😦 must have been devastating…
Funto wat u re doing is really dope asin rell good,Ur a blessing!! All this reflect and bring us back 2 reality.
Sad real sad …..lost my mum in 2011 to cancer , had bury d pain n smile during d burial so as to encourage my dad n siblings ….time dey say heals every wound, I’m still smilling …
God bless yoour family and console you deeply..your dad is in a better place and he loves you.
Reblogged this on salmaat's Blog.
Thats so sad…may God console u and ur family…just take it easy..keep your head up high.
My sister,I really sympathize with you coz it is worst that can happen someone losing his love one in such manner
May God give you and your family the courage to bear the loss.
sorry..abt..what..happened..to..you…hope..uu..could..live..with..it
Crying and talking about it is cathartic and is the beginning of the healing.May God give you the strength to carry on.
The journey of life only God undrestand i present Jesus to you the father who will Never die
Very sad, though I lost both my parents life is not that easy.
Really patheti but if u just allow Jesus, hed be always with u, he wont go nowhere neither will he die
It’s really sad but this things happen and you are not alone, God is your support even to others who share in your experience.
Whatever happens to us all has been predestined, ‘bcause He is kabioosi,He will comfort and uphold u and ur family.
A very painful nd sorrowful story bt d hell is more painful dan wht u exprence.Take heart
Oh is a sad news hard luck Dear it is well with your soul today. Look up to God and He will see you through. Chear up.
very sad,but its the will of God to let it happen so that u can depen totaly on Him.
Nicce post thanks for sharing