As 2018 winds down Big Brothers Big Sisters continues to wind up and this issue of our newsletter is just a quick glimpse of what’s happening. Enjoy reading the stories that range from new programs, new partnerships, and upcoming events.
Every year I look forward to the Deerfield Harvest Festival because it’s an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Talking to everyone as they consider which vehicle they would select if they were to win the All American Car Raffle is always fun, but the best conversations start with ‘do you remember me?’ This year my favorite ‘do you remember me’ conversation started when a young man walked up and asked me that exact question while he patiently waited for my response. I tried to recall what this young man may have looked like when he was a Little Brother in our program, but as we continued to talk I felt like I was playing the 20 questions game until I was able to recall his whole story, the reason he was in our program, his Big Brother’s name, and the years of great experiences he had while in our program. Part of Big Brothers Big Sisters accountability is the measurement of our outcomes through pre and post surveys, but the true results are seen years after our Littles graduate from our program and return to share stories of their happiness and success. This young man, who will always be a Little Brother to me, is now married, a dad, and a responsible employee. After our conversation, as I watched him confidently walk away with his wife and 2 children the sense of pride, respect, admiration, and appreciation I felt at that moment was truly overwhelming. The long-term commitment and positive impact Big Brothers Big Sisters has on Littles and their families during hard times and in this case it was to help a Little deal with grief has a silent way of rippling into generations.
Final thought is a quote by Amit Ray who is famous for his teachings on peace, compassion, non-violence, and positive vibration. “Our wings are small, but the ripples of the heart are infinite.”
Check out our latest newsletter: November/December 2018
