Giving Back…

Summary

A volunteer recounts his rewarding two-decade experience as a "Big Brother" to two fatherless boys, sharing adventures and life lessons.

Abstract

For over twenty years, the author has been a dedicated mentor in the Big Brother program, providing guidance and companionship to two boys from single-parent homes. Through shared experiences such as horseback riding, scuba diving, and attending basketball games, the author has not only enriched the lives of these young men but also found personal fulfillment. The relationship has evolved from mentor and mentee to one of mutual respect and lifelong friendship, culminating in the author being asked to serve as the best man at one of his mentees' weddings.

Opinions

The author believes that being a Big Brother is a deeply enriching experience and a meaningful way to spend one's spare time.
He expresses a personal conviction that there is no better way to contribute to society than by helping others, particularly children.
The author feels a sense of pride and joy, akin to the Yiddish concept of "Nachas," in witnessing the success and growth of his mentees.
He values the impact of his role as a mentor, as evidenced by his mentee's desire to have him as the best man at his wedding.
The author reflects on the photographer's curse, noting the irony that while he has many memories captured in photos, he is often not the focus in these images, highlighting the selflessness of his role.

Adventures in being a “Big Brother”

Before and After, in front of Mr. Roark’s house.

For over 100 years, there has been a “Big Brother / Big Sister” organization in the US, which pairs volunteers with at-risk kids in single parent homes to provide a caring adult role model. For over 20 years, starting in college and continuing well into my working life, I was just such a “Big Brother” to two fatherless boys.

Meet “Little Brother #2”. I spent time with him regularly since he was 5.

We learned to horseback ride together.

We learned to scuba dive together.

A few other sports too! :-)

We had all sorts of other adventures.

He was a huge basketball fan, and I had a ton of frequent flyer miles. So one weekend we flew to Detroit, saw a Pistons game, and flew back. This picture was taken with a point-and-shoot that only had a center focus point, so the players are in focus but not the subjects. It is the photographer’s curse that nobody else ever takes good pictures of you.

I had a friend who was a pilot. He got the experience of taking control of the plane for a short time.

Before and After #2. Recently he came over, brought a soccer ball, and took ME to the beach!

We spent a lot of time together over the years, times I relish because I’ve always wanted kids, and I truly believe there’s no better way to spend your spare time than helping others. We still keep in touch; he recently confided in me that those were the best years of his life.

There’s a yiddish term called “Nachas”, which roughly translates to “The joy you get indirectly from your children’s successes. I felt that recently when he asked me to be the best man at his wedding!

A milestone for both of us.

I was his best man! Quite an honor.