Seven days after Haiti’s most devastating earthquake, Kiki, a brave, 7-year-old boy, emerged from the rubble with an unforgettable, affectionately broad smile that immediately touched our hearts. The images, captured by a freelance, New York photographer, shows Kiki’s star-bright eyes wide opened, legs dangling, and arms stretched out as far as they could, after being coaxed out of the rubble by his aunt. He appeared very happy and seem to be saying, “I have been through the valley of the shadow of death, but look at me, thank God, I am alive, I am alive.” This unpretentious smile of little Kiki, who amazingly survived the earthquake, after spending seven days with no water or food, gives definite credence to the significance of a genuine smile. Maybe his memories will be that of a young boy playing hide-and-go-seek—–similar to the Italian movie “Life is Beautiful,” where the father of a young boy convinces his son, that being in a concentration camp is simply part of a game, although the father knew that their future was uncertain.

Do you have a reason to smile today? Yes, you certainly do. You are alive, thank God.