Rylie, 7 years old, LA | 4 DAYS WAITING |

Wish submitted by:

Growth is Life Foundation

Rylie is a caring and responsible young girl who takes her role as the oldest sibling very seriously, often stepping in to support her family during difficult moments. She is deeply affected by her father’s incarceration, a painful trauma that weighs heavily on her heart and makes it challenging for her to concentrate in school. Missing him intensifies her feelings of sadness and uncertainty, leaving her to navigate emotions that are far beyond her years. Rylie dreams of becoming an artist, and she often turns to drawing as a way to express the complex feelings she struggles to put into words. Art has become her safe space, giving her relief and a sense of control when everything else feels overwhelming. Despite the emotional hardships she is facing, Rylie continues to show remarkable strength, compassion, and creativity. Her resilience shines through each time she uses her artistic talents to cope and to heal.

After the incarceration of her father, Rylie and her family were evicted from their home. In the process, her old watch was thrown away, and many of their belongings were stolen. That watch was more than just an accessory—it was a symbol of the bond she shared with her dad, who taught her how to tell time using it. Rylie often talks about her watch and the special lessons her father gave her. Losing it has left her feeling as though a piece of her happiness was taken away. She went from being a bright, cheerful girl to sometimes feeling very sad, because the watch reminded her of the special times she shared with her dad before he went to jail. A new watch would not only give Rylie back something she loved, but it would also help her reconnect with those cherished memories. It would be a small but powerful way to restore joy and remind her that even through loss, she can carry forward the love and lessons her father gave her.