Today I went to my cousin’s open house. There was this little girl there, 6 years old, that I had never met before. She saw me giving the other kids “airplane” rides and wanted one as well. She waited in line multiple times, until I was too exasted to lift anyone else. Then she wouldn’t stop following me, so I started talking to her. You know how little kids like to tell you really unimportant things and many times nobody truly listens to? Well I like to listen. I like to ask them questions and hear all the innocent things running through their heads. So that’s what I did, I started talking to her and asking her a lot of questions. She was thrilled when she knew I was actually listening to her. She had really long petty hair, so as we talked I braided it. I love braiding and I can braid in really cool ways. When I was done, everyone was amazed at how cool it looked and the little girl was attached to me the rest of the night. She kept hugging me and asking me questions. When it came time for her to leave she asked me if she could take a picture with me and if I promised we would see eachother again. She wouldn’t let go of me, she came back like 5 times after being asked to get in the car just to hug me again. I am 17 years old, fighting an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, and ptsd. But none of that matters to a little girl. She loved me for listening to her, for showing I cared. This past week I have been doing better with overcoming all of this, but little moments like tonight remind me that there is hope. My mental illnesses don’t define me, I choose what defines me.
3 comments
I’m glad someone else like me feels the way I do about children. I get made fun of for my size but the kids don’t do that. I like to listen and talk to little kids and do my best to be friends with them. I’m only 14 but for the last couple years kids have been the only people who actually accept me for me.
you are great and wish you the best in your life
That story was absolutely beautiful. It reminded me of “Catcher in the Rye” – children are symbols of innocence and purity and being around that has an impression on you that cleanses you of all negative energy. I have a little sister and she’s what keeps me going, everyday, i see her smile and laugh and sing, play piano and paint and it reminds you that, despite everything – there is hope, you just have to strong enough to find it. You are an amazing person, and i hope your stress and anxiety problems slowly start to go away. I’m also a 17 year old – suffering from clinical anxiety and depression.