To the Girl that I Babysit

To the girl that I babysit,  

Every so often you come across certain individuals who make the world seem a little brighter, a little bit more okay than what it actually appears to be. I’ve been babysitting since I was twelve-years-old and it’s safe to say that many of the kids that I’ve watched have been that source of happiness in my life, even on the rainiest days – especially you. 

Over the past couple of years I’ve had the privilege of watching you grow up into the creative, generous, fun-loving, girl that you are today and I’ve loved every single moment of doing so. I hope you never forget how truly special you are, not only to me but to everyone you meet. At your age, I was trying my hardest to fit in with those around me, trying to be like the other thirteen-year-olds. But you? You’re not; and I applaud you for that. You stand out in the crowd, but in the most beautiful way. You are who you are, and that’s way more than okay. 

Thank you for being one of the biggest inspirations in my life. Thank you for constantly reminding me that there’s so much more to a person than what they’re showing. Thank you for reminding me to live every day like how I want, and to embrace my true self. Thank you for shining that sunshine smiles of yours and radiating your positive energy everywhere you go! 

I don’t count my time with you as ‘babysitting’, but rather I count it as time spent with a friend. To me, you are a friend – regardless of the age gap. I don’t count my time with you as ‘babysitting’, but rather I count it as time spent with a little sister. I love when you randomly call or text me and we get to catch up while I’m away at school. I can’t wait for when I’m home on break so we can have even more lunch dates-turned-popcorn, fort, and movie nights!  

I’m always so excited to come over and hang out with you and to see all of the new, incredible art you’ve made. I’ve probably told you this countless times but one more time wouldn’t hurt right?; you have such a raw talent and I hope you never let it go to waste. People deserve to see your writings and drawings and I hope that one day they do. I bet if you opened your own museum, that the line on opening night would be wrapped around the block for miles. I can tell you right now that I’d be the first person there, bragging about how I knew you at the start of it all and how lucky I am to have gotten to witness it firsthand.   

Now I know that things have been really hard lately and you’ve struggled a lot but I want you to know that in a couple of years, this all won’t matter. The people in your classes, those around you, they’ll change. They’ll one day realize that they missed out on getting to know one of the most genuine, kind-hearted, lovable souls. You’re worth more than you’ll ever know; and on days where you can’t see it, or they refuse to acknowledge it, I’ll be right here to remind you. The ways things are right now will not be how they are in the future and I wish you could see that. I promise you it does get better; believe me. I’ve been there, we’ve all been there. You’re not alone in where you’re standing, I’ll always be right beside you. And on the days that you feel down, I hope you know that I’m always just a text or phone call away. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, no matter the time or day.  

Love always, 

Liz 

P.S. Tell Percy I say hi and that I miss him too!

• babysitting
• friendship