Big and Little

My son, Sam, (that would be the toothless one on the right, smiling like only a ten year old boy can) has a Big Brother. That is Ryan, on the left, although since there are only two people in the picture you probably could have figured that out on your own. About a year ago I contacted the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization in our area to find someone for Sam. BBBS matches kids (littles) with adults (bigs) in order to provide a positive role model, friendship, and companionship for children in non-traditional settings. Sam and I were then contacted for a meeting in which the rules and expectations for BBBS were reviewed. Sam was able to communicate his hobbies and interests with the counselor who would then look for a suitible match for Sam. Since Sam is an only child and we live in a college town I was hoping they would be able to match Sam with a male college student. Then we had to wait. And I think we ended up waiting for several months before we were notified that a "Big" had been found for Sam. Apparently, more women volunteer than men so it takes longer to match boys. The program also does extensive interviews and background checks on potential volunteers. BBBS also asks for a one year commitment to the program from the volunteers to provide stability for the children.

Ryan has been great for Sam. What started out as a quiet and shy introduction has grown into, simply, two brothers hangin' out. In the fall they played football and went to the park. This winter it is all about video games. And McDonald's. And just doing what brothers do.

Ryan and Sam try to get together at least once a week for a few hours. Ryan calls Sam. Sam calls Ryan. Plans are made. Plans get changed when Ryan has a test, which offers me an opportunity

to point out to Sam that Ryan has to study just like he does. Only Ryan's Mother isn't there telling him he has homework!

For Christmas, Ryan gave Sam the first of a series of books called "The 39 Clues". (I would underline that title like I was taught if I could figure out how!) Sam is now on the third book and has figured out that reading can be a good thing. Something he didn't believe was possible when I told him that!

Sadly, for us, Ryan will be graduating the first of May and leaving Maryville. I have already ask BBBS for a new "big" for Sam, but no one will ever replace Ryan. I'm confident that between e-mail and texting they will be brothers for life!

I would highly recommend BBBS for anyone who is interested in finding a mentor for their child. It has been such a good experience for Sam. I would also love for more people who want to make a positive difference in a child's life to consider giving their time to such a worthwhile program as Big Brothers and Big Sisters!