An Open Letter To My Childhood Babysitter | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

An Open Letter To My Childhood Babysitter

"Five-minute clean up!" -said as parents were on the way home

224
An Open Letter To My Childhood Babysitter
Faddy

Babysitting. You either love it or you hate it. Even when you love it you sometimes hate it. Kids. They’re crazy. My brother’s and I were no exception. We went through a babysitter or seven. There were a few that I will always love with all of my heart, but this letter is for the one that wasn’t just a babysitter, she was family.

How old was I when you started babysitting us? I can’t even remember. Small enough that when playing hide-n-seek I could get shoved onto the top shelf of the closet. When did you become more than “just a babysitter”? Maybe when the guest room turned into your room. When sleepovers consisted of me being able to just go to the basement.

When I think about growing up you are the first person that pops into my mind. Remember that time my brother ate dog food so that you would come out to the trampoline with us? By far one of the funniest moments of my life. Or when we would make “gourmet” dinners to surprise my parents when they got home. Honestly, so romantic. The Steelers blanket hanging from the balcony by duct tape, so that we could separate the table from the kitchen, really topped it off. Let’s be real though, hide-n-seek in the dark was legendary. I would play it now if you showed up at my doorstep!

There are a lot of fun things that I could never forget. There are also some really random things that you may not remember, but for some reason they stuck with me. Like when I got older and decided that it was time that I start wearing a bra. Of course I came straight to you because I was way too embarrassed to tell my mom. You made me tell her anyways. Or when I was a little bit older than that and you told me you were gonna take me clubbing at Peabody’s once I was old enough. LOL at that age I was just so honored that you would want to take me, of all people, out with you!

Everyone knew just how much I looked up to you. Always wanting to grow up to be as smart and pretty and fun as you. I knew you weren’t perfect. I knew you had your flaws just like the next person. But I also knew how much you cared about me and my brothers. You treated us like we were your family and for that I will always think highly of you.

You’ve moved away and started your own family now. Sometimes I like to scroll through your Facebook page just to see what you are up too (Creepy?). I remember when you started dating your husband and it makes me so happy to see you with him. And oh my goodness you have one lucky kid. Because if you are even half the mom as you were a babysitter, this kid is going to have such a great life.

I guess what I am trying to say through this trip down memory lane, is thank you. I was just a kid, but you were my best friend.

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

345
11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl

If it hurts now, it'll hurt again. Not because you're gullible or naive, only because you fall fast, hard, and you do it every time.

We fall each and every time with the complete and utter confidence that someone will be there to catch us. Now that person we SWORE we were never going to fall for has our hearts, and every time we see them our palms start sweating. The butterflies in our stomach start to soar and our hearts are entirely too close to bursting out of our chests.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Things Only Equestrians Understand

Yes, it IS a sport. Yes, I fall all the time. No, I do not ride in jeans with a cowgirl hat on.

785
horses
Barn Pros

Growing up I have always wanted to own a horse. My grandparents own a well known equestrian facility in Georgia, so I have been riding since I was born. A bond between a person and their horse is a bond so strong that it cannot be broken. Everywhere I went I wanted to be around horses, even forcing my family to go on trail rides during vacations. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember has taught me great responsibility, as well as 14 things that all equestrians can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
man wearing white top using MacBook
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

College is super hard. Between working, studying, and having a social life, it feels like a struggle to just keep afloat.

I understand. When you feel like your drowning and there's no way to stay afloat I understand that it feels like everyone else is doing just fine. I understand all the frustration, long nights in the library, and that feeling that you want to just throw in the towel. I understand that sometimes it's too hard to get out of bed because your brain is already filled with too much information to remember. I understand because I am also feeling pretty burnt out.

Keep Reading...Show less
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments