written by Big Brother Matthew

Brad and I were introduced through Big Brothers in 1994, he was 7 and I was 23 at the time of our match. Our relationship started on a "getting-to-know-you" level, but as time past and we both rode through life's peaks and valleys together, it evolved into a true friendship. Some of the experiences that I think are the hi-lights of our time together as "Big" and "Little" are; Soapbox racing in the "Bart mobile" at High Park - we didn't win a trophy, but didn't crash either! Singing the national anthems at a Blue Jays game for Big Brother's day, browsing at comic book conventions and then coming home to draw pictures of our favourite super heroes, those rainy-day games of "Risk" and "Monopoly", and celebrating my wedding day with Brad as an usher, looking very grown-up in his tuxedo!

I'm 37 now, and Brad is 21 (twenty one!!, I can't believe even as it write down!) and we stay in touch via e-mail and keep each other up-to-speed on new developments in our lives. I have two kids now - one is the same age as Brad when we first met - and I'm certain the experience prepared me to be better father and role-model for my children.

Recently, we got together and he wanted to buy me a beer (how could I refuse!), and he expressed to me what a difference that I made in his life. As he told me this I felt almost a sense of relief (in a -"wow, it really worked" - sense), probably because as the "Big" in our relationship it' was hard for me to gauge the impact I was having on Brad during those times we were hanging out, playing Nintendo, catching snakes in the ravine, or tossing a Frisbee. I know that no matter what happens down the road I'll have those memories for life and will always make time for Brad if he needs me.

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