The Girl Who Grew Up Way Too Fast

She was small, but they didn’t care.

She was forced to carry a heavy burden that was never hers to carry. The weight was far too much—yet she carried it anyway.

She sacrificed her childhood to make sure her siblings wouldn’t suffer.

Too big, too fast, too much.

But they needed her.

So, she put her dolls to the side.

She learned to make dinner before she learned to read or do math.No one taught her how to be a child, so she taught herself how to survive.

She smiled when it hurt.

She ran to her room when they yelled.

She held her breath just to keep the peace.

Yet she was still a child.

She cared for everyone.

But who cared for her?

Now she’s grown.

Older—yes.

But not ruined.

Older, but not forgotten.

Because she is protected by her Protector—her first love.

She’s learning, slowly, to lay down the burdens she was never meant to carry.

She’s learning to cry for the little girl who never got to cry.

She’s learning to build a life where there is joy.

She’s learning to let go—and to lean on God.

As she looks back, she realizes:

Her Father was always with her.

Protecting her.

Thank You, my God, for never leaving me.

Thank You for being my Rock, my Protector.

I will always praise You—

Even when it hurts,

Even when I don’t have the words.

For I know that one day, there will be no more pain.

But for now, I lean on You.

And I choose joy.