Inspirational Feature By J1 Reporter Tehra Finn-Jackson

Happy is a generic word that’s synonymous with delighted, pleased, or glad, but for 8-year-old Lizabeth Vaca, it means so much more.

Lizbeth was born with a hearing impairment, no palate, a very narrow mouth, a closed nose, no ear and hemifacial microcosmia, which is an underdevelopment on the left side of her face. The plastic surgeon diagnosed her case as unique and rare. She is tracheostomy dependent for ventilation, needs a g-tube, and can speak a good amount, but her communication is mostly through sign language.

Despite all of this, Lizbeth dons a smile every day and surrounds herself by the people she loves. Her mother and foster sisters are always present. She doesn’t have just one role model, but all of her five foster sisters are her role models.

Family is an important component in Lizbeth’s life. Her “crazy” best friend is her first grade sister Sophie. Most of the time when Lizbeth gets mad, it is because Sophie won’t play with her. Even in the future she envisions herself with her family while pursuing a career as a vet.

Lizbeth’s dreams and aspirations don’t overshadow her heart for serving others. She believes that to make others happy she has to “help people.” She lives every day with this in mind.

Amelia Vaca, Lizbeth’s mother, says, “I’m inspired by her every day. Even the doctor said that most people who go through her circumstances aren’t able to wake up and smile.”

One time, Lizbeth had plastic surgery on her nose so she could breathe better and she had just gotten back from the hospital. Right after that she was playing outside with her cousin and got hit by a ball in the nose. Instead of crying, she got up saying “I’m fine, I’m fine.” The doctor told her to rest a few days but she couldn’t. She carried on through the pain.

Happy is a word that people take for granted as plain. To Lizbeth Vaca, it’s a word that not only describes her character, but also in the way her hands move, because happy is her favorite sign.