The Covered Smile is Sonja Lauren’s own true story of
abuse, neglect, recovery, forgiveness and triumph.
Severe dental problems that went untreated for years condemned Sonja to a hellish nightmare of loneliness, pain, denial and suffering no child should ever be subjected to. She endured years of physical and emotional neglect that denied her the simple pleasures of being able to eat, speak and smile with confidence.
Even though she was surrounded by darkness, and doctors had marked her case "situation hopeless" something greater than the pain kept Sonja alive each day. She never wavered from her undying faith that one day she would be surrounded by ‘Earth Angels’ rather than the pain, suffering and loneliness she had known as a child.
abuse, neglect, recovery, forgiveness and triumph.
Severe dental problems that went untreated for years condemned Sonja to a hellish nightmare of loneliness, pain, denial and suffering no child should ever be subjected to. She endured years of physical and emotional neglect that denied her the simple pleasures of being able to eat, speak and smile with confidence.
Even though she was surrounded by darkness, and doctors had marked her case "situation hopeless" something greater than the pain kept Sonja alive each day. She never wavered from her undying faith that one day she would be surrounded by ‘Earth Angels’ rather than the pain, suffering and loneliness she had known as a child.
Sonja - Age 13
After the birth of her daughter, Sonja realized that she must not repeat the patterns of ignorance and neglect that plagued her childhood. She must break the cycle - for there is no greater love or lesson in life than being a mother to a precious child.
The Covered Smile vividly explains the long-term effects of severe child abuse and neglect and proves that these victims are worthy of attention and assistance rather than spending their lives suffering in silence and shame. But, perhaps most importantly, Sonja’s experiences teach us about the long process of recovery, healing and forgiveness that is possible for victims of abuse and neglect.
The Covered Smile vividly explains the long-term effects of severe child abuse and neglect and proves that these victims are worthy of attention and assistance rather than spending their lives suffering in silence and shame. But, perhaps most importantly, Sonja’s experiences teach us about the long process of recovery, healing and forgiveness that is possible for victims of abuse and neglect.
