The Little and I have been matched for almost a year now. That's the commitment you make when signing up for the program, one year. This poses the question, do I want to continue to be her Big? Last night I was weighing my pros and cons with Sir Sunderland (who remained un-biased the whole time).
Cons
- I only get 2 days a week off to be with my husband, the rest are spent at Starbucks until 9pm. One of those evenings are spent with the Little
- It costs money
- It is a constant source of stress, trying to figure out ideas for what we are going to do
- There really isn't a community surrounding Big Brother's and Big Sisters. I get a monthly email in my inbox and that's it
- There is no way to measure what difference I am making in her life
- Taking her to a Safe Halloween night dressed as a witch, getting her face painted, watching her bounce in the bounce house and get candy
- Her saying "Hey! Did you know we've been together for almost a year? February 5th, I have it marked on my calendar."
- The hug I get at the end of every outing
- Picking her up after summer vacation to see her with the same haircut as myself
2 comments:
I am so happy that you decided to stick with being a Big! I see kids at my school everyday who are in need of a positive role model. There are not enough people like you out there.
As a teacher I know very well that there is no way to tell how much you have impacted someone's life. You go about with your day to day things just hoping that one thing you say or do, just might stick. But think about it... Do you think Mrs. Bay realizes the impact she had on our lives? Probably not because as fifth graders we had no idea how much she was impacting us nor did we know how to convey that to her.
Just by being there, you have made a difference in this young ladies life. Thank you for what you do and in the words of Joe Dirt just "keep on keepin on!"
Imagine having a "Big who bakes!" Thanks for making the effort. I know you will be blessed for having a generous and loving spirit to share with a child. Actually, I don't even care that you bake...thanks for just being BIG!
Post a Comment