In Honor of Volunteer Week April 19-25 2009

The submitted stories below highlight the amazing, profound interactions that happen each and every day between our Bigs Brothers, Big Sisters, Little Brothers, Little Sisters, Parents/Guardians and Agency Staff.

The stories appear as submitted.

Betsy and Da’Shawna

We bumped up the dirt driveway and stepped out of the car, anticipating that first bite. But as we began to wander the orchard, my heart sank. The peaches were gone! Where only a week before, every branch had been covered in fruit, now only leaves remained. Underfoot, the occasional sad, squashed, moldy peach served as the only proof of what had been there. I made a show of searching for some magically untouched cache, though it was apparent that the effort was futile. Da’Shawna trouped loyally along, carefully looking for the fruit. It wasn’t long before I had to give up the ghost and admit it – we would not be picking peaches that day.

I was bummed. My plan had come apart at the seams, but even worse was the fact that I felt like I was letting Da’Shawna down. As we climbed back into the car, I made a decision. We could go home, buckets empty, outing ruined, or we could turn this thing around. “I told you we were going to pick fruit today,” I told Da’Shawna. “And we are going to find some fruit to pick!” We made it back to the road, and slowed down to read every sign we passed. Finally we spotted one that read, simply, “Blueberries". A few moments later a grinning, elderly farmer in overalls was pointing us toward a plot of bushes beside his house.

We had our fruit! I was raised in a fairly rural area, and as a child my mom would take my brother and I to pick fruit at local farms. But Da’Shawna has lived her entire life within the city limits, and I’d never seen her eyes so wide. “The blueberries are just right there?” she squeaked. I showed her how to pick the ripe ones and plunk them into the bucket, and to leave the pink ones behind. We had a taste, and in that moment I could practically see the connections being made. Blueberries on bushes, in the bucket, ready to eat. I don’t think it had crossed her mind to consider where the food she ate was coming from. She absolutely loved it. We came away with several pounds of blueberries. Da’Shawna’s mom had asked me to drop her off at their church – their congregation was having a barbecue picnic that day. When we arrived, the potluck was in full swing. Da’Shawna’s grandmother presided over a massive grill. Tables were loaded down with food. Da’Shawna couldn’t wait to show everyone what we’d picked and her mother invited me to stay and eat with their friends and family.

We even had something to contribute to the party. Together Da’Shawna and I rinsed the blueberries and arranged them on the table for everyone to enjoy. We loaded plates and sat on the grass, and I chatted with her mother and aunt while the kids played nearby. I felt so privileged be included in their get-together, and to have the chance to know Da’Shawna’s family a little bit better. That day started off as a disappointment, but ultimately turned into one of my favorite volunteer experiences to date. And the best part? It made real and lasting impression on Da’Shawna. She even wrote a story about our experience with the blueberries in her English class at school. We will definitely be back to pick more fruit this summer!"

Karen

"I've been meeting with my little sister since September; the school was only two blocks from my office so it was very convenient. Then the world changed for me, when on January 16th, the bank that I worked for was closed. I missed seeing my little sister for two weeks. I sent a message to her through our match support specialist Jami. Suddenly, I was working in downtown Vancouver, with no authority, no free time, no benefits and no long-term employment opportunity. I was worried about not seeing her so I sent her a card at the school - from one friend to another, just to tell her what was happening and that I didn't know when I would see her but I wanted her to know I was thinking about her.

The next thing I know, I receive a call from Jami saying that when my Little received the card, she burst into tears because she didn't think she was ever going to see me again. I thanked Jami for the call and told her I would move heaven & earth to make sure I was able to go back to our regular visits. I went the next day and it was worth it, to see her smile that stretched from ear to ear. On top of that, I got a great big hug! I’ve been going every week ever since. It takes a 1.5 hour lunch now to see her, but as long as I’m able to work in town I will do it, because she’s worth it!"

Brad

"Let me take you on a journey... It had been over 6 months of one on one time with my Little. He really enjoyed spending time with me...this was apparent as we visited multiple times per month. We found out we both enjoyed activities such as biking, basketball and canoeing on the river to name a few. While the activities were something fun to do, I was really having a hard time getting him to open up to me about his feelings and his life. It was like pulling teeth!! At the 6 month mark, I was really beginning to wonder if I was making a difference. There were multiple phone calls with my match support specialist (they are so very helpful, I would encourage all Bigs to take advantage) and additional phone calls with his mom. I knew I was becoming attached to this little guy when I was wondering if I was making a difference. The feelings were real.

We continued to visit, one on one and with his family. Then one day, after a bike ride and board game, as I was leaving he caught me by surprise: "I Love you Brad" were the words I heard ever so softly from him. I stopped cold...finally, after months of wondering about the level of impact I was having in his life, his words cut through to my heart: "I Love You Brad" he smiled and gave me a hug. I echoed back "I Love You Too." Since then, our friendship continues to grow. The deep conversations are starting to happen as significant trust is being established. This would not be possible without Big Brothers Big Sisters and the encouragement of my match support specialist."

Frances and Olivia

"I knew this was going to be a rewarding experience the day I got the call that I had been matched. Her name was Olivia, and she was 12. I don't have kids and my mom died tragically; her middle name was Olivia. It was a sign that brought me to tears. On our first Valentine's day Olivia gave me her school picture and bought me presents from the dollar store with her allowance. I was more flattered that day than I have ever been! Her mom secretly sent me a card thanking me for being in her life and the family's life since her sister's match did not initially work out. I took both of them on. She has mentioned to me that Olivia talks about us and misses me when we don't get to hang out.

She loves going out with me and doing things she has never done. This is so rewarding to me that I feel guilty sometimes that I am the one benefiting more from our relationship. My proudest moment was when she got a scholarship to summer school and decided to take Med School A & B, and asked me to come and talk to her class(I am an ER Physician). I have such high hopes for Olivia to succeed in life. We simply have fun doing everything from sharing her first root beer float, making cards, going to plays, coloring, gardening, IMing online,and eating.

Thank you for doing all that your organization does. Strong work!"

Maria and Janeette

"I've got tickets to the zoo!" I said excitedly to my little sister Janeette. Earlier that week I had shown her photos of my adventure to Antarctica and she asked if Antarctica had polar bears. I told her polar bears didn't live in the South Pole and made a mental note to get her some library books on polar bears, and the North and South Pole. With all this to prime our trip to the zoo, we had to see the polar bears. And with the delight that only a child can express so freely, she squealed and pressed her nose against the glass to "kiss" the polar bears as they swam by. These are the times when we connect to each other and the world around us."

Marilyn and Emaya

"My story with Emaya took place shortly after I started seeing her. We had visited the Beaverton Library and we were heading across the street to play in the water fountains. I cautioned her about running ahead of me as I was rather elderly and was unable to catch up to her if she ran ahead. I wanted her to walk with me. She promised she would never run out ahead of me and then promised that even when I started using a walker (which she proceeded to demonstrate a much older person all bent over with her arms held as one would hold a walker,)she would still walk with me even then. It still brings a smile to my face to remember this conversation so long ago. She still always walks with me and I'm not that old yet."