15 years after break-in, Utah family receives Christmas surprise

15 years after break-in, Utah family receives Christmas surprise

(Mariel Reimann)


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SALT LAKE CITY — A recently married man was excited to show his bride their new home and furnishings when they discovered that a break-in had occurred and all their belongs had been stolen. Fifteen years later, their home was again "broken into" and they were given a surprise Christmas.

Life has dealt some pretty hard blows to both Pablo Tellechea, 36, and his wife Giovanna, 34. Fifteen years ago, the couple were returning from their honeymoon to their home in Montevideo and discovered that their rental home had been broken into and all their possessions had been stolen.

“I was completely disillusioned. I felt like crying,” Pablo Tellechea said.

Pablo said at the time, Giovanna couldn’t help but laugh. "She’s always been the one to show a good face in a bad situation.”

The couple worked together to rebuild their life and despite various struggles, they recently celebrated their 15th anniversary.


Happiness is a sum of tiny enjoyable moments, not the absence of problems.

–Giovanna Tellechea, Kaysville mother


“I was 19 and he was 22 (when we got married,)" Giovanna said. "We had only known each other for four months and the consensus was that we weren’t going to last. Fifteen years and four months later, (with) six beautiful children, two countries, two languages, six addresses, a few cars, a few bikes, accidents, illnesses, trips, laughter, work, and trials, the list could be endless, I don’t regret a thing. I would still say I do. Happiness is a sum of tiny enjoyable moments, not the absence of problems.”

Several friends and volunteers who knew of the Tellecheas' good attitude throughout their struggles, decided to stage a "break-in" to deliver presents to the family for Christmas. The group spent an entire month planning the "break-in" and on Dec. 23, they made the delivery.

While one friend talked to the Tellecheas' and served as a distraction, the other volunteers snuck into the house and delivered the carefully-wrapped gifts. The group, organized by KSL Latino, hoped the Tellecheas' had a great Christmas as a result of this special "break-in."

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Mariel Reimann

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