The Mona Lauren Smile

All the Cain Clan members know that Mona Lauren Smile that has shined in our family for twenty four years now. We have all counted on its warmth and peaceful assurance to push aside some of our storm clouds.

On August 14, 1987 Heavenly Father decided to send into our family a peace maker. He knew that we would need someone to be an emulsifier against the acids that boil up in a family at times. Lauren's good nature and calm spirit became an anchor to each of us and even an irritant when we really wanted something to be irritated about. Some of us may have even attempted to take that smile of her face and then regreted it later because we suffered the pangs of guilt. There is something in Lauren, an ancient non- judgemental wisdom, that people, including her family, feel safe to connect.

Lauren was born an optimist as witnessed by one reporter who caught her coming off the school bus smiling with her new puffy bear lunch box to face the challenges of Kindergarten. For some, like Mrs. Allen, one of Lauren's elementary teachers, the Mona Lauren Smile was unnerving. "She's always smiling like she knows something you don't." But others like Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. B.commented they looked forward to her smiling face. They recognized the gift behind the smile.

Through Lauren's school years, church activity and now into her adulthood all those who have encountered her share the same experience and comments about Lauren's peaceful accepting smile, spirit, and great sense of humor. Nursing and taking care of the seriously ill is no surprise occupation for Lauren. She was born to be a healer, a peace maker, a giver of "blessed assurance." This is Lauren's part in the bedrock of our family foundation. We depend on the Mona Lauren Smile, and pray it will only grow brighter.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall inherit the kingdom of heaven." (Sermon on the Mount)

Happy Birthday Lauren.
With Love,
Mom