I’m no art historian. But I think I may have solved the mystery to Mona Lisa’s smile.
For hundreds of years people have wondered just what is behind that enigmatic expression-it’s a smile, but almost not a smile.
Her lips and eyes do not agree.
I know exactly how she feels.
Some folks think bereaved parents want to prolong the pain and sorrow they are feeling. Some figure that those Facebook posts and Instagram photos and Tweets are aimed at generating pity.
But you want to know the truth?
Most bereaved parents long to feel happy again. They want, more than anything, to have a few moments when the weight of grief is lifted and genuine joy bubbles up from down deep like it used to.
The first chance I got to ask a fellow bereaved mom, I did: “Will I ever feel happy again?”
She was honest and told me it would come, but that it would take longer than I hoped.
She was right.
Nearly four years into this journey and I can faithfully report that yes, I do feel happy. I can laugh, I smile, I rejoice with those who rejoice.
I even have whole days when I am barely aware of sorrow and longing.
But the me that was jubilant and radiantly glowing with happiness is gone.
Instead, most days I am just quietly not sad.
You can see it in my face.
Just like Mona Lisa.
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thelifeididntchoose 
Yes—the tail-wagging happiness mostly disappeared, but what remains is the richer, deeper-thinking, more deeply-appreciating, contented, calm focus on the prize of the upward calling. Jesus never addresses our happiness in Scripture, but He does offer peace,comfort, strength, contentment, and hope. Life is much richer, more precious, more meaningful now, even without my Klint.
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My mother used to call me “Moaney Lisa” when I was sad … so this post really hit a chord with me. I too can now look at Mona Lisa and see the eyes that don’t match her tentative smile….. and truly see the “me” I am now. I can be happy, laugh, etc but it just seems bittersweet… there’s always an echo of loss
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Yes. I have been surprised by photographs. I thought I was smiling but the photo shows sort of pleasant staring. There is a hollow look in the eyes of grieving parents.
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Profound…. I looked back on my photos. Something in the eyes is gone…
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I agree Irene. I look at pics of me and sometimes I smile, but when I look at my eyes, they are sad or blank or something like a dolls. no expression, or pain coming through
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“I am just quietly not sad.” I love that. Beautiful words. Thank you for sharing your walk, your wisdom, and your beautiful words.
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