The following are accounts from people who have participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs. If you have a story of an experience in one of our programs that you would like to share, Send us a submission or drop it off a written letter at our office.
“Having a Big has made my life fun!” - Brandon, Little Brother
“We have lots of fun times together.” – Nina, Little Sister
“Having a Little Brother has been more than just that. It has meant having a good friend. A friend to go swimming, hiking, play games, watch a movie or just hang out with. This relationship has meant a lot to me over the years and I hope it continues for many years to come.” – Justin, Big Brother
“I got involved because I wanted to give something back to the community but it turns out that the time I spent with my little sister is the highlight of my week.” – Becky, Big Sister
“Having a little has given me an opportunity to give back and share. I like teaching my little brother new skills and just listening to his stories.” – Dave, Big Brother
“I enjoy seeing my big sister because she makes me feel good about myself.” – Kayla, Little Sister
I enjoy seeing my bigs (Couples Program) because they are always fun and we also have a great time. Having my bigs has helped me control my anger and not be bored. My bigs have shown be how to have fun and have put a smile on my face.” – Josh, Little Brother
“My Little and I recently celebrated our fourth anniversary! My sister was 11 when I met her. The last four years have been a blast! When I first met my sister she was very shy and unsure of herself. In the last year especially, my sister has gained so much confidence. She is outgoing, talks to new people easily and has a great sense of humor. She has become such a confident young woman with morals and standards that I admire. I am so proud of her. I have truly enjoyed my time with her and look forward to our sisterhood continuing.” – Lisa, Big Sister
I got my first little after my girls left home and we were matched until I had my first grandchild. She filled a void for me and had an opportunity to teach her how to cook, which she loved doing. Now I have a little brother in the In-School Mentoring Program, and he loved cooking and building things. He’s really starting to open up and it makes me feel good that he feels safe enough to confide in me.” – Debbie, In-School Mentor
When I first met my little he was so excited to see me, and honestly I was nervous because I had no clue how I would entertain him for our weekly visits. Now I think it is me who is more excited for our weekly meetings. We do things that I enjoy doing myself, we play hockey, cook, play computer games and just hang out. I have had an opportunity to watch him grow and I hope that I have taught him something along the way. He too has taught me many things; how to fall off monkey bars, how to make the perfect cookie (more chocolate of course) and how to laugh until my sides hurt. It just shows that you don’t have to change who you are to make a difference in the life of a child” – Tim, In-School Mentor
From the loss of a brother a family is gained
written by Denise (Parent) and Marshall (Little Brother)
As a child, my son Marshal has suffered many losses of male role models in his life,some by divorce others by death. I was resistant to a match for him as I am a worrier and was not sure if I trusted a stranger with my son.(of course my fears were groundless).After much discussion with my son's counsellor,Marshal and I decided to take a leap of faith and applied for a "BIG".It was definitely the right choice to make.
Marshal was not matched right away.It took nearly a year, but then the call came. From the moment we met Mark we knew our lives would change.Marshal and Mark didn't fall easily into their relationship,as Marshal was shy and wary, but Mark was optimistic and persistent. They became true brothers. Marshal and Mark were matched in July of 2006 but in April of 2007 Mark suddenly and tragically passed away.We received the call from a very distaught agency the day before Marshal's 13th birthday.Words cannot descibe the sorrow and loss that enveloped our family. Mark was only 29 years old,how could this happen,and how was I to tell my son that his brother had passed away? Somehow, with the help of the truly amazing and caring support of BBBS of Prince George, we made it through that first terrible day.
Later that day Nancy(our caseworker from BBBS) called and asked if it was possible for us to come and meet some of Mark's friends the next morning,as they really wanted to meet his "little brother" and give him the birthday gift that Mark had purchased while in Mexico. Although Marshal was very upset, and unsure how to deal with all the emotions that were taking over, these people were Mark's family and Marshal felt a need to share his pain with them. The meeting took place the following day at the BBBS office.Let me tell you it was definitely a river of tears that flowed.We met three of Mark's best friends that day,RJ,ROB & Kelly.They shared many memories and came armed with love, compassion and a need to know the young man who had made such an impact on their friends life.By the end of this meeting a miracle had taken place.Yes Marshal had lost a brother . But through this tragedy he had gained a very large extended family. In the days that followed many of Mark's friends started phoning Marshal.His mother,brother and sisters also became part of a growing family and support for Marshal. I write this story one year to the day since we had that first meeting with tears bluring my vision and look back on a year that although filled with grief and sorrow,was also filled with love, ,laughter and shared memories of a brother.
It is Marshal's 14th birthday today.We will be meeting with some of Marshal's extended family for dinner.They have all kept in touch and spend at least a couple hours each a week with him.They have brought many new adventures to his life and for that I am very thankful. BBBSPG has made a huge impact on our lives and I hope to be involved with them for many years to come. Thank you for allowing me to share our story.