I was 12 years old

When I moved into my new house

Away from the only house I had ever lived in

Away from the only thing I ever knew

That was three years ago

And I had no idea what an impact this would have

For the first few months

My family was all alone, 

No one my age lived around us 

In a new city, with no friends, I knew absolutely no one

And even if I did we stuck to ourselves

That all changed in May of 2020

When my neighbors moved in

Those 3 kids changed my life forever 

One 6-year-old boy

One 4-year-old girl

And another 2-year-old boy

Then and now: My whole world

We started off playing outside

Throwing this abnormally large frisbee at each other

We spent hours outside that summer

Getting closer while our parents got to know each other too

As time went on, we became the bestest of friends

Spending every second of our time together

The relationship between us thriving

My love for them growing stronger

Charlie, the youngest, is the sweetest angel

He is creative, hilarious, and loves like no other

Evie is smart and genuinely the sweetest girl I have ever met

Empathy and kindness are effortless for her

Owen is like my little brother

We goof off, but he knows I will always be there for him

He can be so so sweet… at times

I’ve been picked on for how close I am with them

But it is amazing how three little kids that love you

Can make you feel amazing about yourself

Like you don’t need to prove anything, 

Unconditional love

I began babysitting, late-night movie nights

Nannying, getting paid to do what I love

These kids help me find what I want to do with my life

My connection to them truly will follow me forever

November 2020, the dynamic changed

Another baby was welcomed into the group

Watching this kid grow up

Has been the biggest honor of a lifetime

Since I’ve known him since his beginning

We have always had a special bond

That kind that lets me have baby cuddles 

Like when a baby rests his head on your shoulder

His little smile and belly laugh when I’m holding him

Are something I don’t think I could ever forget

These 4 kids have changed my life for the better

This was two summers ago

And I am happy to say it has only gotten better

More families have been added to our posse

And I can’t imagine my life without them

Looking back to four years ago, 

Living in my old house

I can’t remember what it was like to not know this family

And I never want to feel that way again

They have changed me for the better

Truly.