For further information on becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, please visit the National Big Brothers/Big Sisters web site at http://bbbsa.org/ |
I never liked being an only child. It was a lonely, isolated world where games of make believe began to eventually test reality. My parents did the best they could at keeping me busy, and basically spoiled me rotten to an extent, but the older I got, the more I felt a void in my life. All I really wanted was a sister. Better yet, I wanted to be somebody's sister. How could I have ever known that many years later, fate would lead me to you? That was 11 years ago. After three long months of procedures, interviews, orientations, and standard paperwork with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, I was called and told about you. Under normal circumstances, volunteers usually have a meeting with prospective "Littles" before making a decision. But I just knew ... you were the one. I was right. I remember like it was yesterday when we first met. You just ran up to me, grabbed me by the hand with the unbridled excitement of a 7-year-old, looked up sweetly (displaying the most beautiful set of dimples I have ever seen) and asked, "Are you going to be my Big Sister?" Who could have possibly said no? You stole my heart from that very first moment. All I could think was "Yes ... yes, I'll be your Big Sister! I'm going to be somebody's sister!". I think my excitement was as great as yours. I remember my response to you ... "that all depends. Are you going to be my Little Sister?" You jumped up and down, shook your head and screeched "UH HUH!!!" And so it began. Every time I came around, you jumped and pounced on me, thus leading to my pet name for you ... "Tigger". Many times I sit and think of all the things we've done together -- like the very first outting we had together. Remember that? It was your first time bowling and you tripped on your shoelace and sent the ball sailing down the wrong lane! And remember our "adopted Grandma" at the nursing home? We had a lot of fun times visiting her. And then there were the horseback rides, the trips to Showbiz Pizza, the Halloweens, trips to the zoo, blowing bubbles in the back yard, the 4th of July celebrations, and baking cookies. Best of all, I remember all the community service projects you helped me with -- the Adopt-A-Highway Program, food distribution to the less fortunate, the many Lunch With Santas (can you ever forgive me for putting you in that stupid elf suit for so many years?!), the annual Easter Egg Hunt, and so many others. I loved every minute of having you by my side as we set out ot help others. Although awards and recognition mean little to me, I have to admit that one of my proudest moments was when Rick and I, and you, were named 1991-92 "Family of the Year" by the Delaware Jaycees. I also remember your budding interest in choir and theatre and your very first role on stage with me in "Peter Pan" -- as the only female pirate in nasty Captain Hook's gang! It was such a joy having you share the stage with me, and share my love of music and performing. We really had a lot of fun times (along with some tough times to even out the balance ... but we got through them). Over the years you have changed so much. You went from a sweet, loveable little kid to an overaggressive, angry adolescent (putting it mildly!) to a pretty well adjusted teenager. Now I find a mature, sensitive, caring and smart young lady. You've definitely worked very hard and struggled to overcome many obstacles to get where you are now and I want you to know how proud I am of you! I think you will make a wonderful nurse -- just don't ever give up on that dream -- you CAN do it. If I have taught you anything in the past 11 years, I hope I taught you that. It's hard for me to realize just where the years have gone. It seems like only yesterday I was sitting on Santa's lap with a precocious 7-year-old, smiling for the camera! Boy, time really does fly when you're having fun. I truly treasure all the times we have had together (both the good and the bad). I want to know that with everything I taught you along the way, you also taught me. Although our "official" match may be over with the arrival of your 18th birthday, as far as I'm concerned, you will always be my Little Sister. You are in my heart ... you are a part of me. Thanks for finally letting me be somebody's sister. I love you, Tigger! Your Big Sister 4-ever, ~DEB~ August 17th, 1997 |
"Somebody's Sister" A Message to Tina on her 18th Birthday |
After being involved with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program for eleven years, my "official" match with my Little Sister, Tina, was closed when she reached her 18th birthday. This letter was written to her as a tribute to the young woman she had become and what her involvement in my life meant to me. |
Music playing is "Letting Go" (music by Frank Wildhorm, lyrics by Leslie Bricusse) "Letting go of a hand that I've grown so accustomed to holding ... letting go of that hand can be so hard. You will always be with me. I will always need your love. But it's so hard to let you go." |
For further information on becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, please visit the National Big Brothers/Big Sisters web site at http://bbbsa.org/ |
A Very Special Thank You to Pat! Please visit her graphics site for all your web page graphics needs! |
