Beauty truly is a matter of perspective

Once there where two women, who were as different as a rose is from a daisy.

But being close neighbours, they spent many hours lively chatting, standing by the sturdy, whitewashed fence dividing their two gardens.

Thoughtful Louisa was a true optimist, seeing the world in all the glory it has been created. The other woman, named Catherine, had a rather dark and pessimistic view of life.

On a pleasant afternoon, as they were having one of their many "over the fence" talks, Catherine felt the need to express her opinion on the distinct wardrobe of an eccentric fellow citizen, who happened to be her great-aunt:

"Can you imagine that she wore this odd, flower-adorned hat in town last thursday? Why she actually thought it looked pretty!"

"Really, you shouldn't talk ill of your great-aunt behind her back." "Besides, beauty is defined very differently Catherine, each and everyone of us has their own vision of it!" Louisa exclaimed, bewildered at her friends' harsh judgement.

"I do not believe you!" Retorted Catherine stubbornly. She simply could not imagine that there wasn't a general definiton of the word "Beauty" everyone would agree on.

"Well let me prove it to you." Said Louisa kindly, not giving up on the effort to brighten up the ruthless criticism of her dismal friend.

"The old and frail Mrs. Graham for example, she is not exactly the image of blooming beauty, having only so very little left of her once healthy glory. Yet she is the prettiest and most graceful of all to her loving and concerned husband.

A little, newborn Baby looks nothing special to the midwifes, who see such wriggling, screaming nurslings everyday.

But can you even imagine the overwhelming feelings of its mother? Not on earth has she ever seen a more sweet, a more precious creature than this cute little baby she is holding in her loving arms, and can actually call her own."

This example touched poor Catherine especially, for she herself recently received the message of a little son being born to her only sister. Her dark eyes softened, as Louisa avidly proceeded to speak.

"Humpbacked Mr. Parker does not look at all like his healthy, former self anymore, after this dreadful accident. But do you think his children care?

They only see their fathers' sparkling eyes, joyous laughter, the happy expression on his worn-out face to see his beloved family when coming home from a long day full of exhaustion. To them, this man is the most charming and handsome there is."

That was true. After all, Catherine herself never noticed her great-aunts poor sence of humor, or the grim wrinkles around her mouth when both of them enjoyed eachothers company. The physical appearance simply didn't matter. Louisa continued to count on the many examples of why everbody has a different definiton of the word "Beauty":

"Or take the old baker across the street. Have you ever seen a kinder, more gracious man than him? Always smiling, being all ears and having a compassionate word for everyone. He is regularly feeding the needy and hungry folks asking at his door, who can't afford to buy his bread.

His body may not look any special to you, but his soul is truly beautiful. And that is what counts."

Catherine was now truly humbled by this enthusiastic speech of her lovely friend. Louisa for one, was quite happy with the change of heart she could evoke in her friends' soul.

"So you see Catherine, beauty truly is a matter of perspective, and everyone is seen very beautiful in their own, unique and special way."