Talents...

Lately, before the kids go to bed, we pile on Chloe's bed (she has the guest bed, so it is a queen size) and read a story from The Friend magazine. (I am going to have to check out this website later. I didn't know they put so many fun things on it!) It has been a good way to get the kids calmed down, plus spend a little extra time with them. I am really enjoying snuggling next to them. Zach and Chloe take turns being next to me. Anyway, tonight's story was called Smiles to Share from the June 2009 magazine. Right when I looked at the picture, I saw a little girl in a wheelchair and I immediately thought of Karleigh. But I didn't say anything to Zach until after we were done reading. We both commented afterwards how in this story we could replace Lauren's name with Karleigh and it would fit perfectly! She was exactly like this. The story is pretty short, so I will type it on here.

Smiles to Share

by: C.J. Gedmundson (based on a true story about Lauren Trenna Jenkins)

"What did you learn in Primary today, Sasha?" Mom asked as they drove home from church.

"Sister Duffy taught us about special gifts called talents," Sasha said. "She said Heavenly Father gave us all talents so we can help others. She said when we share our talents, it makes people happy."

"That's right," Mom said. "Jesus taught that we should use our talents to serve others."

Sasha sat quietly for a moment, staring out the window. "But, Mom, what about Lauren?" she asked.

"What about her?" Mom asked.

"Well, she can't talk, and she's in a wheelchair. What kinds of talents does she have that can help others?"

"What is the first thing you notice about Lauren when you see her?" Mom asked.

Sasha thought for a minute and then said, "Her smile. Lauren is always smiling."

"She's always laughing. Especially when we sing or she hears the piano. She always gets so excited. And she loves to blow kisses to people."

"How do you feel when you are with Lauren?" Mom asked.

"Happy. I always feel happy when I'm around Lauren," Sasha said.

"Me too," Mom said. "That is one of Lauren's talents. She shares love and happiness with everyone around her. That is one of the most special talents of all."