A babysitter to a nine-month old baby? I was exactly that. A babysitter to my baby brother!

One Saturday morning, Mum rushed to a supermarket to shop for things the family needed. Benny and I were left alone. It was the first time I was alone with my baby brother. I did not know what to expect. It was very quiet all around me. Nothing was moving. Thank God, Benny was sleeping soundly. I decided then to go to the kitchen for a glass of juice. I did just that and went back to the living room, hoping Mum would come back very soon. Half an hour later, a wild cry broke the silence. Sprinting to the bedroom, I saw Benny fretting and crying with all his might. I froze. What could a ten-year old girl like me do? Why was Mum not back yet? Benny’s behaviour was driving me crazy. Quickly, I grabbed his rattle and shook it in front of him. His cries turned to wails! Unbelievable. Gentle rocking of his crib was useless. Was he wet? No, not at all. What could be the matter? His temperature was okay. Ah, a pacifier might be the answer. Even that could not make his mouth close! He seemed to have so much energy that got stronger as minutes ticked away. Could he be hungry? Thank God, Mum prepared his milk before leaving. I held the bottle to his mouth. He likewise rejected that!

In despair, I lifted him up from his crib, cuddled him, made funny faces, danced him gently and even sang him little songs until I heard myself singing my school’s official song! Benny’s cries turned to hiccups. Looking down at him, I saw the most beautiful baby smiling at me!

It was a very precious moment, a truly unforgettable experience.