To the Child Who Carried Too Much: A Love Letter from the Future

Hi sweetheart,

I see you.

You’ve been carrying so much in that small body—far more than any child should. You walk home from school with grown-up responsibilities on your shoulders. You pay bills. You fetch groceries. You hold your little sister’s hand. You try to be good. You try so hard.

But listen to me, darling:
You are just a child.
You should be playing, not worrying.
You should be dreaming, not managing.
You should be laughing, not shrinking in fear.

I’m so sorry that the adults around you forgot that.
I’m so sorry they didn’t see how scared you were.
I’m so sorry you were punished when you needed patience…
…or left alone when you just needed a hug.

What happened to you was not your fault.

The way you were touched? The way you were scolded? The pressure, the silence, the fear—that wasn’t love.
You didn’t deserve any of it. Not one bit.

But listen, my brave girl:
You made it.
You survived.
You protected your heart the only way you knew how.
And now, slowly, gently, you get to unlearn the fear and start remembering the love you were always worthy of.

You don’t have to prove anything.
You don’t have to do everything alone.
You don’t have to hide your softness anymore.

I’m right here.
Talking to you with love.
And I will keep reminding you:
You are enough.
You are safe.
You are precious.

Always.

With all my heart,
💛 The Grown-Up Who Sees You Now