Betty was a blessing. Every Monday and Wednesday, she would make the trek via bus and/or metro from her house in Silver Spring. Her hourlong commute each way wasn't easy, but she never complained. She always showed up cheerful and eager to see the boys and, as they quickly got used to her, the boys met her with the same excitement each morning. "It's a Bobby day! Mommy, when are you leaving for work?" ("Bobby" is what they called her) She loved the boys as if they were her own and kept them active and engaged every minute of every day she was with them. If she didn't take them on the bus or metro to one of the two nearby libraries, she took them to museums, monuments and playgrounds. It was rare for them to be stuck at home. But if they were, they painted, drew, read books and built railroads and castles.
She came to us at an interesting time. The boys were just starting to talk. Although English is not her first language, she helped get them to speak in phrases, then sentences. She even taught them numbers and colors in Spanish. Henry and Drew were also about to transition to toddler beds. She helped them say good-bye to their cribs and hello to their "big boy beds." Six months ago, the boys started potty-training. That was a successful endeavor, thanks in large part to Betty. We often looked to her for advice since, in her twenty-plus years of babysitting, she has taken care of many children, including several sets of twins.
I honestly think Betty is a huge reason the boys are ready for preschool. It is just sad that it's because of preschool we won't be needing her anymore. We are just so thankful for everything she has done for our boys and our family. We will miss her more than she knows. I expect that over the next few weeks, the boys will ask about her every day, and though the questions will eventually fade, our gratitude won't. Thanks for everything, Betty! We love you!
Betty and her boys
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