It was April 1988.  We had gone through some major life and business changes, and we managed to keep pretty busy in the following months.  Deb brought Vicky to the shop in the playpen but we also realized we needed more permanent help from her friend, who stayed on part time.  We were very lucky to have an awesome friend and neighbor, Meg, who had just turned 14.  She came most afternoons after high school and afternoons in the summer to take care of Tom and Vicky while Deb worked.  Meg was a dream and was like a big sister to the kids.  There was definitely mutual admiration... after awhile.  The first day Meg came, Tom stood behind the recliner in the family room and cried his head off...he wanted "Mommy". Meg worked through it and wondered if she would ever come back!  She stayed for 4 years until she went off to college...we knew we would all miss her!  Now what would we do?

Well, Meg had a neighbor, Laura, who was 13.  Laura came with Meg one day and met the kids and also made fast friends--the Barbie as a gift for Vicky sure didn't hurt!  We were so fortunate to have Laura, who also came all the time for years.  She even stayed with the kids during her college break for us to get away for a few days.  Laura has probably worked in every capacity possible for us--the kids, house cleaning, cat sitting (including giving insulin!), dog sitting, rabbit sitting and of course, phones at the office. If any of you know where we live, we don't have much of a neighborhood...and to

think we had 2 awesome babysitters who were like family!  How lucky were we!!  Next month, read how we found Kathy!