October Match Spotlight: Eric and Rod

Congratulations to Eric and Rod who are celebrating their 9^th year in the program this month. Eric has been Rod’s Big Brother since he was 7. Throughout the years Eric has witness Rod grow both physically and emotionally. From being shy around strangers and his answers being one word at most, Rod has grown both in stature and in poise.  Proudly, Eric states, “I like the way he can meet new people and shake their hand and have eye contact.  He has a great speaking voice.  He is big and strong.  He has a certain confidence and yet a gentleness.  I also like the way Rod has joined right in when I’ve challenged him to speak or try out new things.  Since, at 16, he’s now bigger than me; I like it that he doesn’t hurt me when we play touch football and he’s always willing to get together. That amazes me”.  He adds, “I really liked to see the energy and joy he exhibits when we do things that he has always wanted to do but was never able to do”. Last year while doing volunteer work, they earned free tickets to Disney World.   “We had an awesome time, as did his younger brother Mario, who went along with us”. Rod’s mother, Linda says that she couldn’t ask for a better Big Brother.  “Eric has helped him apply for a job, has taught him how to drive and to cook.  He is both wonderful and a blessing”.

To anyone considering becoming a Big Brother or a Big Sister, Eric states, “I would urge folks to become a Big, but who are willing to commit, and who will show up each week and do something with the Little.  Just being there means a lot.  Many Littles have had disappointments in their lives where adults have let them down, and they don’t need that from a Big.  They need consistency and presence, which tells them that someone cares about them and what they do”.