Lauren and the cleaning surprise

I have worked for many years now, ever since Bill's accident I have done something to bring in money to help the family. It has never been much money, and it has always required the sacrifice of my children, who have rarely complained and have always been most supportive, I am blessed to have children that do not judge, or wimper much...for that I am daily grateful.

Right after the accident I got a job tutoring children after school 2 evenings a week in Orem, my first appointment was right after school and I would work until 9 or so, and Lauren would babysit. She did not want to give up two nights a week, but I wasnt making any money if I paid a sitter, so she did it for me.

One fall night I drove up into the driveway and was staring at a completely dark house...not a glimmer of light shown through the windows, I quickly looked around to see if the power had failed, but the lights were glowing all up and down the street.

I quickly got out of my car and rushed through the front door, worried something may be wrong. Upon opening the door I saw a small candle lit on the coffee table, I called out to the children but there was not a sound. I approached the candle and found a note, I turned on a light to read, and found the room in perfect order...The note directed me to another room, with another candle and another direction...each candle glowed in a room that was neat and tidy, the notes finally led me to my girls room. I opened the door and in the room huddled around the last little candle were my three youngest children...all grins and giggles...

Lauren had not only spent the day watching her brother and sister, she had spent it in hours of service cleaning, and allowing to toddlers to clean with her so they could give me order, which I was missing so badly, as I returned home tired and spent. What a lovely gift.

Thank you Lauren for knowing what I really needed...and digging deeper than you were asked to give it to me.