News - unionleader.com - Manchester, NH

Olivia Smith's miracle recoveryTwo Sundays ago, 21-month-old Olivia Smith fell from her chair, lodging a colored pencil through her eye socket that penetrated about 5 1/2 inches into her brain, nearly reaching the back of the skull. But a freak accident that could have ended in the worst way has resulted in what some are calling a miracle.

Olivia Smith, 19-months, gets a Teddy bear from first responder Lt. Rick Riendeau during a visit from rescue workers who responded after the little got a pencil lodged into her eye and through her brain two weeks ago. Also pictured is Olivia's mother, Susan. (DAVID LANE/UNION LEADER)

Olivia Smith, 19-months, and her mother, Susan, got a visit from rescue workers who responded two weeks ago when the little girl got a pencil lodged into her eye and through her brain. (DAVID LANE/UNION LEADER)

Susan Smith holds her daughter, Olivia, who was injured two weeks ago when she got a pencil lodged in her eye socket, as she thanks the rescue workers who responded to the call at their New Boston home. (DAVID LANE/UNION LEADER)

Olivia Smith, 19-months, gestures as sits with her mother, Susan, at their New Boston home during a visit from rescue workers who responded after she got a pencil lodged into her eye and through her brain two weeks ago. At right is first responder Lt. Rick Riendeau. (DAVID LANE/UNION LEADER)