xxAlienYouthxx

Well, I finally got it. My first tattoo. Three hearts on the inside of my hip, cherry red and beautiful. My friend took some pictures on my iPhone of the process and result, so when I have the time (tomorrow) I'll post 'em up, if you would like to take a look.

(Also, the artist is the dad of one of the kids at my summer camp. How weird.)

- AlienYouth -

I work at a summer camp in my home town (just a day camp) and each week I get a new group. Of course, I can't post names of kids, so I'm just gonna call this particular camper Camper X.

His mom and grandmother both have sent me notes all week asking me to help him buy snacks and to make sure he eats his lunch. I have thought these notes were really cute and a bit "helicopter parent-y" and have stuck them in my pocket not really thinking about them. I have of course helped Camper X buy snacks after the pool and made him sit next to me to eat. But each day, my boss has told me that the child's mother and grandmother are telling her that Camper X hasn't been eating (which I've been making sure he eats at least three quarter of his meal, just like everyone else.) I've just thought that the child was asking for more food, or different foods, and so I haven't really paid attention.

Today, I met his mother. She came up to me as he was getting picked up, and she shook my hand and hugged me after I told her that he didn't like the chips they sent, but that I made sure he ate the peanut butter and jelly sandwich even though he didn't really like it. What she said next really shocked me. Camper X was born five years ago today, prematurely, at one pound and nine ounces, and until last year, he had inorganic failure to thrive. I have studied this condition, but had never met someone that had been diagnosed with it. His mother was so thankful that I took the time to come up and tell her that he ate something so small, I realized just how much of an impact I have had on someone's life. Someone so small and frail that I can lift him with one hand, and just by making him eat one sandwich before I let him play made such a difference.

I want to be a child psychologist. I love working with children and have done so for three years, but now, knowing that even a stern, "Sit down and eat," can be helpful, I know that I want to make a difference in someone's life. I'm active in several suicide prevention teams already because of this, but helping someone live when they were born without the will...that's something completely different that reminding someone about the great things in life. I don't want to be famous. I don't want everyone to know who I am, and point me out in the street. I want to be the quiet hand that makes the world a little bit better. I want to help kids who don't have anyone to listen to them, to be the person that will give them undivided attention and honesty. That is my dream. And if I've learned anything from the people here on dA, it's that even the wildest dreams do come true.

-[AlienYouth]-

So, I got on today and had 23 feedback messages. 20 of which were favorites on various works. I'll go through and thank everyone like I always do, but I'm just super happy after a really rough day, and I wanna thank all my watchers for taking the time to visit my page and everything. Well, it's my bed time, but I just wanted to say thanks for the support, guys.

<3

- [AlienYouth] -

I had the coolest dream that I got a DD on Valkyrie. I dunno why I had it, but it was so real. But for some reason I went shopping for a Star Trek cake for my ex-boyfriend's dad's birthday right after I found out and then passed out and had a seizure in the middle of Wal-mart. It was super strange....But I was excited until I woke up. Lol.

- [AlienYouth] -

My mom surprised me after I got off work by leaving my computer on the stairs for me. I didn't think I'd have it back until tonight, but it's good as new. So, I can start submitting more of the pictures I took on Memorial Day.

- [AlienYouth] -