The Price of A Smile

The Price of A Smile

I was born into old money. I grew up with new money, and now I have no money.

I was born in a third world country, Vietnam. Many years ago, my family was very influential and wealthy. During the war, a lot of our properties were seized or some would call it ‘long term rented’. However, I was lucky because both my parents were entrepreneurs. They built successful businesses and were able to provide me a good life. When millions of kids did not have food to eat or clothes to wear, I had a maid at home, imported food and clothes, which at the time in Vietnam were very rare and expensive. I went to the best school in the city with other elite kids. Everyone loved and respected us. Life was good until the day my father was served a lawsuit.

When you have everything, your friends know who you are.

When you have nothing, you know who your friends are.

Years later, the judge proved that my father was innocent and had nothing to do with the financial scam in question. It was a mistake. A mistake that cost us a successful business and a happy family. But the saddest part of that story was not losing money or power, but our friends. People who used to come to ask for help didn’t even respond to our calls any longer. My mother decided it was time to go back to the Western world. We left Vietnam with nothing, hoping to rebuild our lives in Canada.

“If you love her, send her to New York, for there it is heaven; if you hate her, send her to New York, for there it is hell.”

– Beijinger In New York

In Vietnam, everyone thinks North America is heaven, but sadly in reality it’s the opposite.

Starting a life in a new country is hard, but starting a new life with nothing is much harder.

I was a spoiled brat who grew up with a maid and had never had to touch a single thing in my life. Instead of a big new house with a library and playroom, we lived in a 150 square foot room in a hundred year old home. I had to learn to take care of myself and help my mother raise my little sister. It was like Sara Crewe’s life in “The Little Princess.” This princess became a pauper overnight.

I went to school, but I could not understand a single word. None of the other kids wanted to have anything to do with me. Later on I found out they were making fun of me. I did not want to bother my mother with this because she had enough on her plate. I thought this cold land was better than my home, but nobody really wanted me.

On a cold day in the middle of February, I was on my way to class when a stranger looked at me and smiled. It was the first time I saw someone smiling at me in a long time. It felt genuine to me. It made me believe that my life will get better. I will never forget that lady and her smile. That moment changed my life.

The best things in life are free; the second best are expensive. — Coco Chanel

From that day on, I promised myself I would always smile and treat everyone I met like they were family.

A smile costs nothing, but it can mean the world to someone.

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52 Comments
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MatthewDana
MatthewDana
12 years ago

This is very powerful. :-)

cammipham
cammipham
12 years ago
Reply to  MatthewDana

@MatthewDana Thanks Matthew

catsfaith
catsfaith
12 years ago

Because a simple smile costs me nothing but can mean the world to someone.

Very true words, thank you for sharing with us

cammipham
cammipham
12 years ago
Reply to  catsfaith

@catsfaith its my pleasure sharing is caring right?

cammipham
cammipham
12 years ago

@AneDallasOrr Thanks dear I am glad that you enjoy it :)

AneDallasOrr
AneDallasOrr
12 years ago
Reply to  cammipham

a refreshing and positive post, thank you! Have a great day :-)

cammipham
cammipham
12 years ago
Reply to  AneDallasOrr

@AneDallasOrr :) you too happy halloween

AneDallasOrr
AneDallasOrr
12 years ago
Reply to  cammipham

thank you!

cammipham
cammipham
12 years ago
Reply to  cammipham

@AneDallasOrr :)

cammipham
cammipham
12 years ago

@catsfaith thanks cung

trackback

[…] spoiled brat who treats everyone like trash. But because unfortunate things happened to my family, I learned the meaning of life and became a better person.  Facing your pain is not adding negative energy to your life, it is part of positive energy. If […]

TaraMarkus
TaraMarkus
12 years ago

Join the Talk of the Town Chat TONIGHT @ 7pmEST – Express yourself in Style! TOPIC: Present with Panache! #ubusensations

cindyblack63
cindyblack63
12 years ago

Your honesty is inspiring! No doubt you will change the world with your two hands, brain, and big heart.

cammipham
cammipham
12 years ago
Reply to  cindyblack63

@cindyblack63 if you believe in yourself and your dream nothing is impossible

DorlanCognac
DorlanCognac
12 years ago

Ciao bella:)

judyelee
12 years ago

i just read this about cammi. i knew that you had a story, and you told it so well here. keep smiling always!@judyelee

tram4hr
tram4hr
12 years ago

Keep smiling=) it’s pretty

cammipham
cammipham
12 years ago
Reply to  tram4hr

@tram4hr thanks of course I will. Thanks for dropping by and dig up my blog dear

jasonwonline20
12 years ago

The originals are sweet, lovely, and enchanting stories and I do not intend to ruin that image but the plotlines of those stories twisted would make such good horror films!

cammipham
cammipham
11 years ago
Reply to  jasonwonline20

 @jasonwonline20 lol you want to turn my life into a horror movie? how? I cannot see it

ANTIBASICBITCHZ
ANTIBASICBITCHZ
12 years ago

GO CHECKOUT CHICAGO BREAK OUT ARTIST @OFFICIALPMAC #LOOK@MENOW FREESTYLE http://t.co/KoWov6TS

Tweetixx
Tweetixx
12 years ago

I smile when I have a yummy snake on my plate,,haha,, Nooo I just kidding you. :XD

cammipham
cammipham
12 years ago

@thecuratedlife how are you dear

thecuratedlife
thecuratedlife
12 years ago
Reply to  cammipham

sending big hugs!

black mold removal
11 years ago

I don’t like smiling. Life is not so sweet.

cammipham
cammipham
11 years ago

 @black mold removal silly just try, you cannot tell if life is sweet or not without trying 

Limechillo
Limechillo
11 years ago

wowo I just read your story……. my arms and heart cannot say and neither will my mouth. Blessings.

manjeetkhurana
manjeetkhurana
11 years ago

Price of a smile – Invaluable (priceless) by the giver. Invaluable (precious) to the receiver. Some things in life are invaluable

CASLworkscom
CASLworkscom
11 years ago

Price of A Smile http://t.co/tIKJ6az6 via @yb2012

CarlosAlvarez37
CarlosAlvarez37
11 years ago
Reply to  CASLworkscom

RT @CASLworkscom Price of A Smile http://t.co/6qfQmFQw via @yb2012

cammipham
cammipham
11 years ago

@CarlosAlvarez37 @CASLworkscom @yb2012 thanks for RT

SpitToonsSaloon
SpitToonsSaloon
11 years ago
Reply to  cammipham

A toast: Here’s 2 vive la différence, with an au revoir 2 the same routine, & a bienvenue 2 something new. (;>))

CarlosAlvarez37
CarlosAlvarez37
11 years ago
Reply to  cammipham

You are welcome. I am now following you. I invite you to follow back.

globalidadmx
globalidadmx
11 years ago

Priceless…

cammipham
cammipham
11 years ago

@une_uphi i am glad you enjoy it :)

Alanau3qe5jledx
Alanau3qe5jledx
11 years ago

@manikinger http://t.co/4JCnpD6S

GWT_Jewelry
GWT_Jewelry
11 years ago

~I read your story twice and really enjoy it. I SMILE to you!

cammipham
cammipham
11 years ago
Reply to  GWT_Jewelry

@GWT_Jewelry :) i am glad you enjoyed it

cammipham
cammipham
11 years ago

@LindsayFultz thanks for sharing that story was on the radio last week and today

LindsayFultz
LindsayFultz
11 years ago
Reply to  cammipham

You have come a long way. Should be very proud of you and your family:)

cammipham
cammipham
11 years ago
Reply to  LindsayFultz

@LindsayFultz :) thanks I still have to send you the list of ideas sometime this week

LindsayFultz
LindsayFultz
11 years ago
Reply to  cammipham

Yes and I have some info/tools as well you might be interested in testing…

cammipham
cammipham
11 years ago
Reply to  cammipham

@LindsayFultz i like the sounds of that you know i am an app junkie

AlbertAlbs
11 years ago

Smile is priceless and Powerful.  Keep smiling CamMi Pham :) 
Got this blog post from your Google+ profile introduction. 

cammipham
cammipham
11 years ago
Reply to  AlbertAlbs

 @AlbertAlbs :) thanks you remind me I should track clicking rate from G+

CamMi Pham
12 years ago

test

Tim
Tim
10 years ago
Reply to  CamMi Pham

I just read your story. I can truly relate to it personally on multiple levels….

Grace Hui
10 years ago

Absolutely agree on the social media presence being an “IT” thing. I mean it’s a part of our lives but so many of us has let “IT” take over our lives. Being concerned with the number of followers… rather than focusing it back on our true selves. Great post!

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[…] people unconditionally and when people least expect it. None of those are wrong. A lot of the time random acts of kindness can change a person’s life. But they forgot to tell you the other half of the lesson and it can be very dangerous if you […]

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