written by Big Brother, Richard.

I would like to say that I am the perfect Big Brother...I'm not. I would like to say that Lucas and I are the perfect match...we're not. However, I believe that the true spirit of being a Big Brother lies in creating life long friendships. In that case, my relationship with Lucas has grown beyond any of my expectations. After only 3 years of being matched with Lucas, I feel that he is an essential part of my life. When I look at Lucas I don’t just see this 10 year old boy who doesn’t like to do homework. I see a starting quarterback of a high school football team. I see a high school student council president. I see our next Canadian Olympic athlete. Ironically, in many ways I am the one who looks up to Lucas.

Our first outing together was pretty standard. We took in a Vancouver Canadians baseball game on a sunny August afternoon. I remember Lucas being pretty shy and reserved because he was worried about being around so many people. It’s amazing how 2 years of hanging out together can change you. This past summer we went to another Vancouver Canadians baseball game. Only this time Lucas was invited to throw the opening pitch to kick off the game.

In front of thousands of spectators Lucas was growing up right in front of my very eyes. I think it was at that point where I realized that he wasn’t the same kid he was 2 years ago. He was experiencing new things and learning to take risks in life.

In many ways Lucas is a mentor to me. We share so many of the same interests that I find myself learning from him every time we hang out. As adults we are so afraid to take risks and step outside of our comfort zone. Lucas has taught me to take risks in life and not be afraid of who you are. In exchange all I have to do is take him out for a very minimal 2 or 3 hours a week. I consider that a deal when I look at the life long friendship we are building.

Are we the perfect match? No… but I’ll take a life long friendship over that any day.

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