When I first started babysitting you, I had no idea how important you would be to me.

We were strangers at first. Of course, I took care of you as best as I could because I took it seriously that your parents trusted me with you. But in the beginning, we didn’t really know each other.

Over the years, I have watched you grow. I have seen birthdays, school accomplishments, volleyball lessons, baptisms, football practices, and award ceremonies. We have laughed, we have played, we have made memories. I have cared for you when you were sick, when you were happy, when you were sad, when you were tired and grumpy, and when you have so much energy that your tiny body can’t contain it.

You have had rough days when I felt like I was going to go crazy because you just had so much energy, and I have had days when I didn’t give you all of the energy from me that you deserved. But we have learned each other, and now I know how you like your sandwiches cut, the best ways to get you to go to sleep, how to calm your mood swings (because let’s be honest, all kids have them), your favorite color, the foods you don’t like, what you want to be when you grow up, what makes you happy and what makes you sad, and a million other things that I never dreamed I’d know.

Thank you for forgiving me when I don’t handle things right. Thank you for brightening my days. Thank you for making me smile and giving me a reason to be a better person. Thank you for sometimes teaching me things. I still have a lot to learn.

I love you as if you were my own child, and I would do anything to protect you. I love watching your little mind work, and I cannot wait to see you grow and become the best humans one day. I know that you’re going to be world changers.

But for now, I will snuggle you a little longer, cut your sandwiches in half, fix your boo-boos, remind you how loved you are, and let you get away with just a little more than I should because of how tightly you have me wrapped around your little finger. Most importantly, I will pray for you, that the world is kind to you, and that you always know that with me, you are safe, you are loved, and that you know that you will always have a friend in me. I am so thankful for the bond that we share, and I will always be there for you. I love you more than life, kiddo.

- Your babysitter