I was told that DJ, age 10, was an ‘energetic’ kid and I usually like to be on the go so I thought it would be a perfect match. He was a little shy and nervous (that made two of us) when we first met but I could tell within minutes that we would become great friends. As we drove to a local ball game he filled me in on the highlights of last year’s hockey season and his future plans of balancing his careers of goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs and pro skateboarder.

I saw the ‘energetic’ part kick in pretty soon and we were doing all sorts of things- playing catch, road hockey, video games, carving pumpkins, spending a day at the carnival, playing golf and jumping on the trampoline. He’s always running around the house when I get there and is ready to get at whatever we have planned for the day. His grades continually get better and this last report card was fantastic- he’s a budding genius! I was so proud of him when he decided to get a paper route and was inspired to see him get up so early every morning and then spend the money on things that he really wanted.

People always ask if my ‘little’ is thankful for all that I do for him. The only thanks that I will ever need is the smile that I see on his face when we are together. I don’t really think that I do that much for him, but he has taught me a lot and enriched my life tremendously.

Another hockey season is starting and I’m looking forward to watching him play and in the years to come, watching him grow up.

My second Little Brother Dylan is a pretty shy guy, just like I was growing up, so I connected with him pretty easily. He is a smart kit who loves to tell stories and each week I’m treated to stories about what happened in school and at home, what his dog Princess is up to and how his grandparents, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and any other family member he can think of are doing.

He’s a little more laid back and just enjoys hanging out at the park or playing a game and making supper at my house. For special events we head over to Ruckers for an evening of games, prizes and laughter. I love watching him tear around the building looking for the next big victory. I’m always amazed at how polite he is when we hang out and I’m proud to have him along with me wherever we go.

He’s always quick to say thank you when we do anything together and always leaves the car with a smile and a wave.

I’m so thankful to the awesome staff at Big Brothers Saskatoon for matching me with DJ and Dylan. I’ve made two good friends and I look forward to seeing them every week. I encourage all the guys I know to phone the office and get some more information on becoming a Big Brother.  I know that it would make a huge difference in the life of a really special boy.

Story submitted by Alumni member, Kevin Dyck.

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