I want to say thanks for all you have done for me: for inviting me into your home, trusting me to take care of your kids, and helping me grow and learn what I love to do. I really hate to leave you now, I really do, but I know that it is time for me to expand and move on. As a teenager, it is important for me to become involved in school activities in order to become well-rounded and make new friends. While working for your family, it was hard for me to participate in certain after-school activities. I have no regrets about agreeing to spend my after-school hours with the kids and hang out with them; I have loved every minute of it. I love that I was able to smile, laugh, and be myself around them. I hope that they felt the love I have for them through every mac and cheese made, slime concoction, and flip on the trampoline I watched. I felt their love for me through every playful insult, every time I was asked for help, and even the occasional yell of my name I heard when someone needed me. I am going to miss waiting at the bus stop, helping with homework, and yelling downstairs to say goodbye when I leave. I will still see all of you, of course. I’ll see you guys on the occasional weekend babysitting gig, or the days where there is no school or a half-day, and during the summer when I spend time with the nanny and kids. Even though I have to be done right now in order to enjoy other activities, I will never be able to keep myself away from spending quality times with the kids.

Thank you for letting me drive them to tutoring, movies, and the mall. Thank you for letting me establish a relationship with your kids through the past four years of babysitting, and two years of every day after-school care. Thank you for opening your home to me because through being with them, my aspiration of becoming an elementary teacher in the future has been strengthened. Thank you for telling me that you will support me in what I choose to do. I appreciate that even though you are losing me, you still are happy that I am trying new things. You told me that I can still come over and hang out, and that you will try to come to some of my tennis matches. I thank you for trying to become apart of my life by attending my events, just as I have attended theirs. I still want to go to the concerts, sporting events, and talent shows. Let me know when you want me there; I will do everything in my power to be there for you and them. Thank you for doing your best to accommodate my work schedule and even popping into the restaurant every so often. I was so touched when I was begged to nanny this summer, but upset when I had to say I wasn’t going to.

I’m sorry that I am leaving you so suddenly. I’m sorry that I am causing sad feelings, in both myself and the kids. I’m sorry that you have to find ways to cover for me. But through every “I’m sorry,” I must say a thank you comes to mind. I can’t thank you enough for all you have given me. I am eternally grateful for the (hopefully) long-lasting relationships I have built with your family. Thank you again, because I can’t seem to say it enough. I just need you to know, I’m thankful.