Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton Oromocto

Success Stories
The following stories share the wonderful experiences of Bigs and Littles that have been involved with our Agency and reflect the value and lasting impressions of Big Brothers Big Sisters. All of these rewarding stories resulted from matches made by the Fredericton and Oromocto agency.

·        Robert - Little Brother
                  ·         Rhea - Little Sister
·         Anita - Big Sister
·         Brian - Big Brother


Robert
My Gift – A Story of Friendship

As a young boy growing up in a world of confusion, ignorance and sometimes anger, I found an opportunity to vent in a relationship that I was fortunate to form with a person who was once a complete stranger. Each week my Big Brother would pick me up and take me on another adventure.

I would become more educated in many aspects of my life that I would not have traditionally experienced. All the other kids in the neighborhood had brothers, sisters, or at least intact families and I remember feeling important because I had someone special too, my Big Brother. I could write a short novel about the positive experiences I had through Big Brothers Big Sisters being a part of my life for the last 20 years.

As a teenager, I recall working at a restaurant and being approached by two staff members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton, NB who asked if I could help them. Rhonda & Caroline asked me to come down to the office and speak to a group about my experiences as a little. I felt very honoured to be a part of the cause. I was surprised that they remembered me at first, but then I realized that it had only been a few years and that I very much remembered who they were. I recall the people at Big Brothers Big Sisters being so engaged in what they were doing, whether it was keeping me busy in between matches or preparing me for Tim Horton’s Camp, they were always great. I only hope that all of these staff members know that what they are doing on a day to day basis has a huge impact on the lives of kids – this kind of dedication and commitment cannot be bought.

Now, as an adult I have seen many personal successes and I have an amazing family of my own….with an addition on the way. I keep myself pretty busy in life, but one place I have found myself a lot within the last year is with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Annapolis Valley.   I am honored to work for this cause as a member of the Board of Directors. I love this organization! Even today, when I leave an event or meeting, I feel the way I did when I was a kid… IMPORTANT! Thank-you!
Rob Graves
Former Little Brother
Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Annapolis Valley
Submitted 2010
Rhea
Another Cinderella Story…………….(albeit a different version)…..by Rhea Bowen

My Big Sister, Anita’s, favorite story that she shares with others about our friendship is a time that she took me to see Cinderella. I love hearing her tell the story. I thought, as we approach our 23rd anniversary, that it was time to tell my version of the story, from my perspective.

I was nine going on ten when I met Anita. Anita came in to my world through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Traditional Matching program. I was living with my father and my older brother. At this point in my life, I had said goodbye to many people. First, my mother left, after the divorce she moved to another city a few hours away, that was when I was three. Then when I was five she decided to relocate to the southern states. Second, my grandmother, to whom I had said goodbye twice, once when I moved to another province to live with my dad while he was going to university and the second time, when she passed away the summer when I was turning ten. Third, my first big sister, I don’t remember her name. We had only been matched a short time. I do remember when Rhonda, my caseworker, told me that she (my first big sister) could not see me any longer as she was ill and was moving away. Fourth, my second big sister, I don’t remember her name. I however do remember the last time I saw her. It was just after she dropped me off at my house after going to the movies. We had only been matched a very short time. I also again remember when Rhonda told me that the match wasn’t working; however, while I don’t ever recall the actual words that Rhonda used. In my child’s mind I remember it as something about the woman just not wanting me or liking me.

Anita and I were matched just before my tenth birthday in 1987. In the beginning of our match, there were many moments when she wanted to take me to the movies and I would refuse to go. In my childhood experience going to the movies would mean that I would have to say goodbye to her. I couldn’t say goodbye, yet again.

Reluctantly, I finally said yes. I don’t recall why I finally said yes to go to the movies. I think I probably said yes just to get the goodbye over with. And there I was just barely ten years old in the movie theatre, watching Cinderella with Anita. Prepared to say goodbye. Prepared to let go.   I remember sitting beside her, silently crying. Crying because I was sad. Crying because this was the last time that I would see her. And I really liked her. Crying again because here was another affirmation that there was something wrong with me, and no one wanted to be around me.

And then, Anita turned over and said something to me. She had asked me why I was crying. I don’t remember the words that I used (as it was so long ago). I just remember her telling her that this was the last time that I would see her, as this was what happened just before my second big sister left me.

Instead of saying goodbye, Anita dug into her purse and showed me two tickets to the Nutcracker Tea that was taking place the next week at the art gallery.   Two tickets! Wait a minute. That means she wasn’t saying goodbye, and the she wanted to still see me and spend me with.   That was the moment! It was the moment I opened up and trusted. Despite having a history of saying goodbye, this was one person I would never have to say goodbye to and have yet to. I finally found someone who liked me for me.

When I look back on the past 23 years. I believe that, that moment was one of the most defining moments of our friendship. As a ten-year-old girl, I took a chance and had courage in the face of what I thought was despair. And in return, I got a happily ever after.

While my happily ever after, is not a castle and prince charming, instead, I would argue it is much better. I have a life long friendship with the most incredible giving woman. I have 23 years and counting, of learning, laughing, sharing, and bonding, with a woman who always sees and loves the real me. I got a Big Sister. I have truly been blessed.

            Now that I am 32 turning 33, I still have said goodbye people, friends, to lovers, beloved family members, and my father. The one constant in my life is and always will be, Anita.

Submitted 2010

Anita
( Big-Sister and Board President)

When Rhea was in grade school her Dad decided that she needed a woman's influence in her life because her Mom lived in South Carolina. He called Rhonda Rogers about the "Matching" program offered by Big Brothers-Big Sisters.

Rhea was nine when she and Anita first met. They went for a walk along the green for their first outing and played on the swing sets. Every year on the anniversary of their first meeting they retrace their steps along the green and the wharf to mark the first time they spent together as Big and Little. Over the years they have enjoyed skating, hiking, music, crafts, tennis, photography, travel, sleep-overs, playing board games and eating ice cream. Rhea and Anita liked to cook together and to entertain friends. Anita attended many of Rhea's school concerts and was invited to attend her high school graduation.

When Rhea turned 16, Anita's official commitment to her as "Big Sister" ended. However, they have remained in contact over the years and will be lifelong friends. Anita is a Big part of Rhea's daughters life as well. Anita is currently the President of our local Board of Directors and Rhea is the President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John.

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Brian
(former Big Brother)

I recently had the privilege of attending a very special wedding ceremony and am writing this letter to you today with the sole purpose of sharing this wonderful personal experience that occurred because I was a Big Brother. I am sure that there have been many other former Big Brothers and Big Sisters with similar experiences, but regardless, this is my own experience and one which I feel compelled to share with you. Hopefully, this story will help inspire the numerous volunteers and Bigs to continue their important work in making Big Brothers-Big Sisters such a great and worthwhile organization.

In my case, it was about 16 years ago (I was probably 23 at the time) when I was considering doing some volunteer work and my girlfriend of the day and who is now my wife encouraged me to look into becoming a Big Brother. This I did and decided to give it a try. I was matched with a very shy and quiet Little Brother named, Trevor. I believe he was 12 years of age at the time. For approximately two years, we had a very strong and regular relationship but unfortunately, because of a work related transfer, our weekly get togethers had to end. Trevor did, on one occasion, come to visit me while we were living in Sydney, Nova Scotia but as time went on over the following 12 years or so, the contact was very limited. In fact, until recently, the last time I had spoken to Trevor had been 2 or 3 years ago and it had been even longer before that. What I am trying to say is that time had gone by for both Trevor and me.

A very touching moment occurred for me with the receipt of a wedding invitation from my Little Brother, Trevor, who is now 27 years of age.

I attended Trevor's wedding on August 21, 1999 in Summerside, PEI and was overwhelmed by how much he had grown and how he had become such a fine gentleman. Trevor could not have found a more wonderful wife. It was a match made in heaven. I am very happy for him.

While I was at the wedding I was humbled by several of Trevor's relatives and friends who had remarked that Trevor spoke of me often. I felt like a celebrity. Little did I know that the friendship developed from the weekly get togethers would mean so much to Trevor that after 15 years, he would remember me with an invitation to his wedding. It just goes to show what a little bit of time spent with a child means to them.

It is also important to know that this friendship is genuine and is not a result of Trevor having been treated to costly outings. Most activities were very simple but it was the special attention given to him that made the friendship last. This certainly has been the greatest reward from my time as a Big Brother.

In future, both Trevor and I plan to visit each other whenever the opportunity presents itself.

In conclusion, I wish to say that this experience has provided me with a good feeling inside and has caused me to reevaluate the quantity and quality of time spent with my own children.
Submitted 1999

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	Success Stories The following stories share the wonderful experiences of Bigs and Littles that have been involved with our Agency and reflect the value and lasting impressions of Big Brothers Big Sisters. All of these rewarding stories resulted from matches made by the Fredericton and Oromocto agency. · Robert - Little Brother · Rhea - Little Sister · Anita - Big Sister · Brian - Big Brother Robert My Gift – A Story of Friendship As a young boy growing up in a world of confusion, ignorance and sometimes anger, I found an opportunity to vent in a relationship that I was fortunate to form with a person who was once a complete stranger. Each week my Big Brother would pick me up and take me on another adventure. I would become more educated in many aspects of my life that I would not have traditionally experienced. All the other kids in the neighborhood had brothers, sisters, or at least intact families and I remember feeling important because I had someone special too, my Big Brother. I could write a short novel about the positive experiences I had through Big Brothers Big Sisters being a part of my life for the last 20 years. As a teenager, I recall working at a restaurant and being approached by two staff members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton, NB who asked if I could help them. Rhonda & Caroline asked me to come down to the office and speak to a group about my experiences as a little. I felt very honoured to be a part of the cause. I was surprised that they remembered me at first, but then I realized that it had only been a few years and that I very much remembered who they were. I recall the people at Big Brothers Big Sisters being so engaged in what they were doing, whether it was keeping me busy in between matches or preparing me for Tim Horton’s Camp, they were always great. I only hope that all of these staff members know that what they are doing on a day to day basis has a huge impact on the lives of kids – this kind of dedication and commitment cannot be bought. Now, as an adult I have seen many personal successes and I have an amazing family of my own….with an addition on the way. I keep myself pretty busy in life, but one place I have found myself a lot within the last year is with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Annapolis Valley. I am honored to work for this cause as a member of the Board of Directors. I love this organization! Even today, when I leave an event or meeting, I feel the way I did when I was a kid… IMPORTANT! Thank-you! Rob Graves Former Little Brother Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Annapolis Valley Submitted 2010 Rhea Another Cinderella Story…………….(albeit a different version)…..by Rhea Bowen My Big Sister, Anita’s, favorite story that she shares with others about our friendship is a time that she took me to see Cinderella. I love hearing her tell the story. I thought, as we approach our 23rd anniversary, that it was time to tell my version of the story, from my perspective. I was nine going on ten when I met Anita. Anita came in to my world through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Traditional Matching program. I was living with my father and my older brother. At this point in my life, I had said goodbye to many people. First, my mother left, after the divorce she moved to another city a few hours away, that was when I was three. Then when I was five she decided to relocate to the southern states. Second, my grandmother, to whom I had said goodbye twice, once when I moved to another province to live with my dad while he was going to university and the second time, when she passed away the summer when I was turning ten. Third, my first big sister, I don’t remember her name. We had only been matched a short time. I do remember when Rhonda, my caseworker, told me that she (my first big sister) could not see me any longer as she was ill and was moving away. Fourth, my second big sister, I don’t remember her name. I however do remember the last time I saw her. It was just after she dropped me off at my house after going to the movies. We had only been matched a very short time. I also again remember when Rhonda told me that the match wasn’t working; however, while I don’t ever recall the actual words that Rhonda used. In my child’s mind I remember it as something about the woman just not wanting me or liking me. Anita and I were matched just before my tenth birthday in 1987. In the beginning of our match, there were many moments when she wanted to take me to the movies and I would refuse to go. In my childhood experience going to the movies would mean that I would have to say goodbye to her. I couldn’t say goodbye, yet again. Reluctantly, I finally said yes. I don’t recall why I finally said yes to go to the movies. I think I probably said yes just to get the goodbye over with. And there I was just barely ten years old in the movie theatre, watching Cinderella with Anita. Prepared to say goodbye. Prepared to let go. I remember sitting beside her, silently crying. Crying because I was sad. Crying because this was the last time that I would see her. And I really liked her. Crying again because here was another affirmation that there was something wrong with me, and no one wanted to be around me. And then, Anita turned over and said something to me. She had asked me why I was crying. I don’t remember the words that I used (as it was so long ago). I just remember her telling her that this was the last time that I would see her, as this was what happened just before my second big sister left me. Instead of saying goodbye, Anita dug into her purse and showed me two tickets to the Nutcracker Tea that was taking place the next week at the art gallery. Two tickets! Wait a minute. That means she wasn’t saying goodbye, and the she wanted to still see me and spend me with. That was the moment! It was the moment I opened up and trusted. Despite having a history of saying goodbye, this was one person I would never have to say goodbye to and have yet to. I finally found someone who liked me for me. When I look back on the past 23 years. I believe that, that moment was one of the most defining moments of our friendship. As a ten-year-old girl, I took a chance and had courage in the face of what I thought was despair. And in return, I got a happily ever after. While my happily ever after, is not a castle and prince charming, instead, I would argue it is much better. I have a life long friendship with the most incredible giving woman. I have 23 years and counting, of learning, laughing, sharing, and bonding, with a woman who always sees and loves the real me. I got a Big Sister. I have truly been blessed. Now that I am 32 turning 33, I still have said goodbye people, friends, to lovers, beloved family members, and my father. The one constant in my life is and always will be, Anita. Submitted 2010 Anita ( Big-Sister and Board President) When Rhea was in grade school her Dad decided that she needed a woman's influence in her life because her Mom lived in South Carolina. He called Rhonda Rogers about the "Matching" program offered by Big Brothers-Big Sisters. Rhea was nine when she and Anita first met. They went for a walk along the green for their first outing and played on the swing sets. Every year on the anniversary of their first meeting they retrace their steps along the green and the wharf to mark the first time they spent together as Big and Little. Over the years they have enjoyed skating, hiking, music, crafts, tennis, photography, travel, sleep-overs, playing board games and eating ice cream. Rhea and Anita liked to cook together and to entertain friends. Anita attended many of Rhea's school concerts and was invited to attend her high school graduation. When Rhea turned 16, Anita's official commitment to her as "Big Sister" ended. However, they have remained in contact over the years and will be lifelong friends. Anita is a Big part of Rhea's daughters life as well. Anita is currently the President of our local Board of Directors and Rhea is the President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John. Back to top Brian (former Big Brother) I recently had the privilege of attending a very special wedding ceremony and am writing this letter to you today with the sole purpose of sharing this wonderful personal experience that occurred because I was a Big Brother. I am sure that there have been many other former Big Brothers and Big Sisters with similar experiences, but regardless, this is my own experience and one which I feel compelled to share with you. Hopefully, this story will help inspire the numerous volunteers and Bigs to continue their important work in making Big Brothers-Big Sisters such a great and worthwhile organization. In my case, it was about 16 years ago (I was probably 23 at the time) when I was considering doing some volunteer work and my girlfriend of the day and who is now my wife encouraged me to look into becoming a Big Brother. This I did and decided to give it a try. I was matched with a very shy and quiet Little Brother named, Trevor. I believe he was 12 years of age at the time. For approximately two years, we had a very strong and regular relationship but unfortunately, because of a work related transfer, our weekly get togethers had to end. Trevor did, on one occasion, come to visit me while we were living in Sydney, Nova Scotia but as time went on over the following 12 years or so, the contact was very limited. In fact, until recently, the last time I had spoken to Trevor had been 2 or 3 years ago and it had been even longer before that. What I am trying to say is that time had gone by for both Trevor and me. A very touching moment occurred for me with the receipt of a wedding invitation from my Little Brother, Trevor, who is now 27 years of age. I attended Trevor's wedding on August 21, 1999 in Summerside, PEI and was overwhelmed by how much he had grown and how he had become such a fine gentleman. Trevor could not have found a more wonderful wife. It was a match made in heaven. I am very happy for him. While I was at the wedding I was humbled by several of Trevor's relatives and friends who had remarked that Trevor spoke of me often. I felt like a celebrity. Little did I know that the friendship developed from the weekly get togethers would mean so much to Trevor that after 15 years, he would remember me with an invitation to his wedding. It just goes to show what a little bit of time spent with a child means to them. It is also important to know that this friendship is genuine and is not a result of Trevor having been treated to costly outings. Most activities were very simple but it was the special attention given to him that made the friendship last. This certainly has been the greatest reward from my time as a Big Brother. In future, both Trevor and I plan to visit each other whenever the opportunity presents itself. In conclusion, I wish to say that this experience has provided me with a good feeling inside and has caused me to reevaluate the quantity and quality of time spent with my own children. Submitted 1999 Back to top