Little Moments, Big Magic

One of my favorite pics: Circa July 2005

The day I met my little sister she was a few days shy of turning 10.  She was halfway through her fifth grade year, looking ahead to being a big time middle schooler.  She was shy at first, but opened up easily as soon as the emotions of finally having a big sister settled in.  It was December.  Her peace offering was a candy cane.  She hesitantly, but proudly, gave it to me as we sat at her grandmother's kitchen table going over the goals for our relationship with the case worker.  I love candy canes.  Little did I know, I'd soon love her as if she were my sibling by blood - and not just a mentorship program.  We've been "matched" for 5 years and 9 months now.  The term "matched" seems so... cold.  But really, we couldn't have been paired up more perfectly.  Thanks to the efficient workings of Big Brother Big Sisters, we're a perfect fit.  The recipe for any long-lasting relationship.

February 2009

Today, my little is 15 going on 16 (sometimes 25).  She's a few days into her sophomore year of high school, trying to stay focused on grades, but loving the social scene.  She can text at lightning speed & is now as active as I am on Facebook.  Her first boyfriend has already come and gone, perhaps a little too intimidated by her no-nonsense father, who was all too unimpressed by the subject matter of "crushes" & "boys".  She is blossoming into a smart, confident, beautiful young woman - right before my eyes.  If you catch me at the right moment, I'll get teary-eyed over the thought of her growing up, but also at the grateful notion that I will be there every step of the way. 


The last time we hung out, she said to me, "We should have a sleepover before the end of summer!"  I, of course, was all too happy to oblige.  You see, as a mentor, I am expected to be a good role model, a trusted confidant, a consistent source of support, and most importantly a friend.  I pride myself in being all of those things, but thankfully... I have SO much fun along the way, that I forget about the "mentor" title.  I'm just her big sis.  I get just as much, if not more, out of our relationship as she does.   So, bring on the slumber party!  I needed a good, carefree girls night too.


Our night in a nutshell:

• The MSU vs. WMU season opener at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.  It was her first time at a Big Ten football game and I'm a Michigan State alum, so it was perfect.  Thanks to the anonymous person who donated tickets for BBBS matches, we had the BEST time!  Go GREEN!
• Dinner at Sagebrush Cantina in Fenton.  We LOVE getting Mexican food together, it's kind of our thing... :) Yum!  We are mildly obsessed with chips & salsa.
• Perfecting our rock 'n roll skills during hours of playing Guitar Hero: Legends of Rock.  She loves the video game and it's a total guilty pleasure for me too, so it's a win-win.
• Staying up late to watch the original Nightmare on Elm Street.  She picked it up at her local library before coming to my place.  She gets a kick out of scary movies and we laugh at the lame scenes.
• Eating a big bowl of sinfully delicious ice cream:  Hudsonville's Cake Batter flavor with bits of yellow cake & chocolate frosting swirls anyone? 

September 4, 2010

Regardless of what we do... I am so grateful for the time we get to spend making more memories together.  At the core, Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about creating "little moments, big magic" that last a lifetime.