It was a Monday morning and my head hurt.

Anyone who knows me understands there is little enlightenment to be found in that statement. My head almost always hurts on a Monday morning. Perhaps I sleep wrong every Sunday night. But my theory is that it hurts because it knows what it is about to be put through over the next 48 hours – the pure chaos known as the push for deadline.

I had a LONG day (and night, and day again) ahead of me and I was going to have to take my four-year-old daughter, Sara, on an interview with me. Sara is a bundle of energy, so I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the thought of my trying to corral her in someone’s home while also trying to ask intelligent questions while hopefully writing down legible notes.

But, as the Lord would have it, I was in for a treat. I was about to interview a breast cancer survivor – Mrs. Linda Clancy, of Johnston.

Each October, Morris Communications puts out an edition at each one of its newspapers which is printed on distinctive pink newsprint. This is done to show our support as a company for the struggle so many women (and men) across the country go through in their battle against this horrible disease.

Some people like the pink newsprint, while others don’t. I personally love it. The change is well worth it for one week out of the year – especially for such a good cause.

But one of the real perks of the pink newspaper is the opportunity to interview a breast cancer survivor and hear a tale of pure courage and determination. On this particular Monday I would rather have remained in bed as my head was absolutely throbbing, and I sincerely hoped that my bad mood wouldn’t show too much on my face.

Luckily, my fears and concerns were unfounded.

When Sara and I arrived we were welcomed with all the gracious Southern hospitality one could expect from such a wonderful couple. Mrs. Linda and her husband, Mr. Chris Clancy, had a play room for their grand kids, one which could occupy even my little whirlwind.

As we settled in for the interview I could sense a warm, kind spirit in the room as Mrs. Linda began to tell me her amazing story. Word by word, and sentence by sentence, I began to transcribe her words onto my notebook pages. There were ups and downs and triumphs and defeats all throughout the 10 pages or so that I had written by the time we finished.

And guess what? My head didn’t hurt anymore.

I had been so completely captivated by her story that my headache had literally disappeared right along with all the anxiety I had brought in with me. Her spirit and her smile had left me feeling so much better than when I had walked through the front door. I was amazed, but I really shouldn’t have been.

I had seen a smile like that before.

Last year when I interviewed Marie Wood, I had much the same experience as she shared her story and her great sense of humor with me. I am now convinced that God gives these unique folks a special dose of His power through their ordeal.

Perhaps it is a healing power, one unleashed through their smiles. Yes, the healing smile of a survivor. I like that. And if you doubt me, just try a smile for yourself. Anytime you are beaten down and overcome with this life, find a survivor.

You will see.

You will believe.