Windfall 

Ibabysat the world.

At least, that’s what it felt like.

Evenings through high school consisted of a hasty supper and racing to different houses in the neighborhood. I lived in an area blessed with growing families, and someone always needed a babysitter — and as a brand-loving girl living on a T.J. Maxx clothing budget, I was happy to fill the need — and fill my wallet with hard-earned cash.

It helped that I enjoyed kids.

My two closest friends knew that I babysat a lot, but they didn’t understand why. They were the girls whose living room could fit my entire house, who had an account at the pizza store, who bought another top from Aeropostale (back when it was the trendy brand) just because.

I grew up in a home of because.