Quote:
Originally Posted by Medtrans
My husband is a big brother and has been so for 40 years. He rec'd Tom, his little brother, when he was 10. He is now 50. It has been a wonderful experience for my husband and also for me. He (we) knew right away that this would be something special. At first it was just my husband and Tom but then the 3 of us. He took some vacations with us, and camping trips. Tom's mother was a wonderful woman and realized Tom needed a male figure in his life. Tom went on to get his master's degree, a great executive job, and a wife and family. Times have changed though in this crazy world so I think the organization of Big Brothers has different parameters. It's hard to know how to word this but they are more protective and of course they should be. My husband was an awesome big brother and because of it we now have 3 little girls in our lives that we treat like grandchildren. They live in Philly now but they are big-time Disney people so I know we will see them a lot next year when we move after we finally retire.
I don't know if any of what I said helped but I just wanted you to know it can be a rewarding experience. I also know that the little brother/sister do not always match. Tom has a sister who had a big sister and he has a brother who had a big brother. The big sister worked out good for his sister but his brother's didn't. It takes time and effort and not everyone realizes that going in and if a person can't commit to that it makes it difficult for the kid to understand why.
Don't know if this is something you are thinking about for yourself or not, but if so good luck. If you have any questions you can PM me.
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I too was a Big Brother for a couple of years (my match and his family moved out of state). I had fun partnering with Pete who was 12 years old at the time. His younger brother was also matched with another volunteer with our group. Pete and I did many things together, including chores such as washing the car, or helping him with homework. Yes, there was "play time" as the BB/BS organization ran sponsored events and of course I took him to play ball or to the movies, etc.. In fact, Pete helped me pick out the engagement ring for the woman with whom I have been married for 28 years. I found it to be very rewarding helping him, but not enabling him. I believe I taught him much, but he also taught me. The commitment you make in spending time with your "little" really can, and I know this sounds cliche, make a real difference in their life.