A Real Life Cinderella Story: Housekeeper Receives the Surprise of a Lifetime

But for Cara Simmons, a single mother struggling to make ends meet, her job as a housekeeper was more than just a means of survival. It was the opportunity to change her fate. Little did she know that on the day she entered a nondescript suburban home, the key to a brighter future was waiting for her.

She seldom took a day off, thereby making vacations seem like a distant dream. However, her hard work had not gone unnoticed. Despite financial and health struggles, a glimmer of hope shone through for this selfless matriarch.

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For single parents, this financial struggle is all too real. These tough situations can cause mental stress, as well as physical, as Simmons’ condition demonstrates. However, she was persistent.

Her children, who had seen her sacrifices firsthand, knew how much she cared. They spoke of her compassion, not just for her own family but for anyone in need.

She entrusted her with the task of cleaning a house of a very important client because she knew Simmons would not let her down. Meanwhile, Simmons knew that she could not afford to make any mistakes, so she approached the task with utmost care.

Blue instructed Simmons that she needed assistance in preparing for a grand party that would take place in the evening. Though Simmons was used to cleaning; she was willing to oblige the change and not disappoint her employer. 

The chef needed a taster to ensure that the dishes were up to his standards. Blue asked Simmons to help. Though taken aback by the unexpected request, Simmons couldn’t refuse and eagerly accepted the opportunity to savor the chef’s delicious creations.

As the chef prepared the meals, he started to get to know Simmons. He engaged her in conversation and learned about her background. Though she was a bit nervous at first, Simmons began to relax as they talked and laughed during the taste-testing process.

Admirably, she put her own kids’ happiness before her own. However, the food Chef Manny prepared was totally different from spaghetti. Would Simmons give her honest opinion about the meal?

But as she savored the dish, Chef Manny revealed the lobster could cost up to $500. Simmons was shocked as she had never even imagined food could be so expensive. She felt it was a dream and couldn’t help but snap a picture to prove to her family that such a meal was real. 

She also got to savor a lobster cappuccino, quail egg with basil oil, sweet lobster tail, lobster lollipops, butternut squash ravioli, and edible gold vinaigrette. Plus, she also tasted Kobe beef steak,  jumbo shrimp, and a hefty $4,000-per-pound Italian white truffle.

Simmons got to experience a pumpkin cheesecake, as well as a chocolate turtle brownie, yuzu and salted caramel bon-bons, and chocolate mousse. Clearly, Simmons knew this was once in a lifetime experience.

Simmons received a surprise request from the masseuses. They asked if they could have a person to use to warm up their massage skills prior to the actual occasion, in order for them not to get cramps later on. Blue requested that Simmons volunteer for the job.

Simmons explained that her job as a housecleaner was actually therapeutic, especially when she had too many problems on her mind. Her job was so restorative that she even cleaned her own house after work.

Blue told Simmons to review the piles of clothes and choose those she wanted to keep for herself or her family. Simmons was initially apprehensive, but Blue insisted that the clothes would be thrown out anyway. 

Blue commented that all the designer brands suited Simmons’ style. Simmons felt like she was living a fairytale. She couldn’t believe the extravagant and luxurious assignment her employer sent her to do. 

Blue asked Simmons to answer the door. Outside were movers who were unloading tons of boxes from a truck. When the movers brought the boxes in, Blue told Simmons to unpack all the boxes. 

The final straw was when she pulled out her own sweater from one of the boxes as well as a picture frame of herself. Simmons had to find out what was happening. Was all this a prank?

However, the movers insisted that all the boxes were meant for the woman who was living in the house. Simmons’ confusion turned to alarm. Why would her own possessions be delivered to a stranger’s house?

The mover added that a “Cara Simmons” was indeed the house owner. Simmons was naturally confused. She felt her mind spinning as she stepped outside with the mover and Blue.

Prank It FWD aims to deliver “life-changing surprises to deserving people.” And who better to deserve this surprise than a hard-working single mother of three?

Host Greg Benson explained that Simmons’ sister and her employer had nominated her, and the day’s events were all part of a surprise. But wait, there’s more! 

All the shock and surprise of the day seemed to melt away once the truth was finally revealed. All of Simmons’ hard work over the years was finally being rewarded.

Clearly, Simmons’ story is a lesson to us all that hard work pays off. As tough as your job may be, just remember that there might just be a delightful surprise around the corner.