Dear ___ Family,

If it was a date night, girl's night, "I need a nap," "I need to go grocery shopping," night out with friends, holiday party, tennis game and the list goes on, I thank you.

I thank you for:

Putting your trust in me, even when I was young and inexperienced.

Being the reason growing up I never had a "real" job.

The ultimate birth control.

Giving me younger siblings.

Plans on a Friday night.

The chance to mentor.

Knowing I was loved.

Working with my crazy high school and now college schedule.

Something to look forward to.

An excuse to play hide 'n' go seek.

Paying me to have fun.

Letting me grow with your kids.

Ultimately making me realize that I want to work with kids for the rest of my life.

Because of your kids, I grew as a person, a friend, and a mentor. I learned patience, team building skills, how to love others more than myself, and that my needs were always second. I know now you might just bleed to death from a stubbed toe; if you do not get your way, the world will end; and if your big brother hits you, your arm will fall off.

I am blessed beyond measure, because during my time not only was I trusted to babysit, I was trusted to run kids to sports, to get kids off the bus, to cook (poorly) and feed kids, to help with cheerleading practice, and to help with homework.

Babysitting has given be so many skills that I will use for the rest of my life all because I was trusted. I have become the "mom" of my friends, because everyone's safety is always a top priority; when you have this many precious lives in your hands, how can you not do everything in your power to keep them safe?

When you search for a babysitter, you do not normally find another family member, but in my cases thats the way it became. We bought each other birthday gifts and cherished each other as family. We laughed, we cried, we grew, and we learned. All because two parents wanted a date night once upon a time.

Finally, I thank you for helping me grow into the young woman I am, because your kids taught me more about myself than I ever could have learned on my own

Sincerely,

Your Forever Babysitter