My name is Mike, and I have been a Big Brother since January 2003. After years of home renovations and other projects, I became restless. I had spent a lot of time with my nieces and nephews, but they were growing up and moving on with their lives. On many occasions, I thought about the extra time I had on my hands. More importantly, though, was whether I would be able to use that time making a difference in someone’s life.

Over the years, my wife and I participated in the annual Big Brothers/Big Sisters’ Bowl for Kids’ Sake event. I realized that joining the Big Brother/Big Sister program was the solution to my dilemma. To be honest, though, I was hesitant at first; I wasn’t convinced I could offer the support that a child needed. With the assistance of Tracy at D.A. Blodgett for Children’s Big Brothers/Big Sisters, I was matched with Chris in December. Tracy provided support and encouragement, and she gave us a list of things we could do during our outings.

While downing hamburgers and chocolate/banana shakes, Chris and I reviewed the list during our first meeting (we joked that bungee jumping should have been listed). Since Chris is involved in a youth hockey program, we attended a Grand Rapids Griffins game for one of our first outings. Chris would agree that I knew little about hockey. I spent most of the evening asking, “What just happened?” Chris patiently explained the various penalties and procedures. That evening was the start of a great friendship that has only become better over time.

The foundation of our relationship is care and commitment. Chris and I talk three to four times a week. Sometimes I call Chris to confirm dates for upcoming outings. We have longer conversations when Chris calls just to talk. I try to make sure, though, the time we spend together is not governed by a clock. We share stories about our lives, and I remember the things I did with my brothers when I was his age. I’ve discovered it’s easier, and more important, to just be myself and to be there to listen when Chris wants to talk. We’ve learned that working together helps us reach goals that would be hard to attain if we were to tackle them alone, and it’s rewarding to see his face when he overcomes a challenge. Recently, we did a woodworking project for one of his classes. We designed and created a spinning wheel, like the Wheel of Fortune one, and it was used in a school event to give away prizes. By working together, the project turned out awesome. Sharing my time with Chris is definitely a win-win situation!

There’s no easy way to show how much I’ve improved Chris’s life or what his presence has added to mine. I do know that it didn’t take much to make a difference in both of our lives. Coming into the Big Brother program, I couldn’t have imagined the impact this experience would have on me, and I’m fortunate to know a very special boy. No matter how we spend our time together, our outings leave me fulfilled and give Chris someone he can count on and a time to be himself and have fun. Also, Chris has given me a better understanding of kids today. Every time I drop him off at home, I drive away in a better mood.

I would encourage any adult, regardless of age, to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. I know it sounds like a cliché, but it’s been a great way to rediscover the little boy in me again (imagine yourself chasing a twelve-year-old around in a go-cart or wandering a dark, neon-lit room armed with a laser gun). My match with Chris has exceeded all of my expectations, and I look forward to continuing it in the years to come. Being Chris’s Big Brother has helped me advocate the benefits of mentoring, and I have gained a new friend.

There are over 400 children waiting for a BB or BS. Click Here for information on some of our waiting children.

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