We all have a story to tell so make it a good one!

I've started this blog so that you can learn about me and my experiences. I was born with a cleft lip and palate. However, that scar does not define who I am. I am more than a scar. I believe that I've turned out to be a good person who just wants to pass on words of wisdom and share experiences that I've had in my life that changed me for the better.

I've been reading some blogs from Moms that have cleft lip and/or palate children. You are at an advantage because you have the internet and support groups that can help you with your concerns.

When I was born in 1961 there was no social media-no IPhones, no Internet, no texting, no tweeting, no Facebook and no way to gather information other than the encyclopedia or going to the library to look up medical explanations. The Internet is a wonderful resource when used properly. However, you can fall into the social media vortex spending hours upon hours reading into things or trying to connect to people that may have the "answer" to your problems.

The only reason I am on Facebook and created a blog was because this was suggested to me as a way to connect with people. So, I will see how this goes. If I can help one person than it has been worth it.

I guess the most important thing I can say is that you will get through this. Life really is what you make it. You can choose to be a positive or negative person. You can think only about yourself or you can reach out to others. In life, you get what you give. Pretty simple to remember and implement. The rewards are not monetary but rather help shape the person you are becoming. Do the right thing, extend your hand and help the next person. You have a voice so use it. Never be afraid to question a health care professional and listen to your heart. If what they are recommending does not sound right to you, hit the pause button and see if you can reach out to others and get a second, third or sometimes fourth opinion.

Define what you think the word beautiful means. For me, beauty is what is in the inside and doesn't happen overnight. Your story in life will create the inner beauty and people who really love you will see that beauty when they look into your eyes. Smiling helps that inner beauty escape so it can touch others.