This week is one of the weeks that I somehow felt relaxed because of few deadlines and more free time. However, this Wednesday, something happened to my leisure time.

I was asked to babysit my 11 months old 2nd cousin on Wednesday afternoon. His mother had a job, and his grandparents went to the vaccination area for their vaccine. I, the eldest in my family, had a background in taking good care of a baby was asked to babysit. I, who loves kids, of course, accepted it.

I had a hard time because my cousin cried a lot. I entertained him and tended to his needs for him to calm down. Luckily, he stopped. I realized at that moment that even if you have experience before in taking good care of a baby, there are still times that you will have a hard time.

When I was 12 years old, my mom told us that we would have a new sibling. I was shocked because our age gap is 11 years, and when I heard what happened to my mom during labor, I was crying back then. However, when I saw my little brother, I was reminded of my responsibility as the eldest. My mom is a teacher, and my dad is an OFW. At a young age, I carried this responsibility.

So when I took good care of my cousin, my instinct as the eldest kicks in. The responsibility I carried for years became natural for me to do. Do I hate my family for raising me like that? No.

I am rather grateful because they raised me like that.

Thank you.