I'm a big sister, both in my own family and in the community.
I've always loved to give back. When I was a kid, I'd have lemonade stands or I'd put on neighborhood shows for donations. In college, I hosted fundraisers to benefit wounded veterans. In my career, I've made it a point to profile non-profit or charitable organizations for articles in local newspapers.
Nothing could have prepared me for my role as a big.
When I first moved to the Virginia area, I was immediately looking for a way to give back. I had been a big in college but I didn't get the connection that I was hoping for. I filled out the lengthy application, submitted my references, and then COVID-19 came along.
My plans were indefinitely on hold.
In mid 2021, I got a phone call that I had been matched to a little. I was so excited. From what I was told, my little was so excited to meet me in person and couldn't wait to spend time with me. I was excited to meet her too.
A (since I can't use her full name) and I met virtually and really hit it off. She reminds me so much of myself; she's full of life, endless energy, loves to write and read, and has a passion for animals.
I won't ever forget the day that I went to pick her up for the first time. I was quite nervous, thinking that she must have been so excited on Zoom but that she'd be scared when I came to get her. What I found was A waiting in the driveway for me and she hopped in my car right away, before even saying goodbye to her grandmother.
On our first trip out, to get to know each other, we ventured to the little sno-cone joint down the street and got some ice cream. We found a little picnic table and spent an hour talking about some of the activities we'd like to do together. After our ice cream, we picked out matching Christmas ornaments at a local gift store. The big and small penguins riding a sled together was indicative of our new sister relationship.
When I dropped A off that evening, she cried and was afraid that I wasn't going to come back. It broke my heart. What also broke my heart was that I knew the next week would be busy for me with work and I wouldn't be able to make my schedule work to see her. Since I love to write, I started a tradition with A. When we can't see each other, we write each other letters.
I got a letter in the mail about a month ago, addressed to the "best big sister ever Megan" and I had nothing but a huge smile on my face. Even though I had only taken her out twice, I could already tell the difference that I had been making in A's life. Well guess what A, you've made a difference in mine too.
Thanks to my little sister A, I have learned to look at the world through the eyes of a child again. I've been reminded that playing on the playground is not just for kids. Skipping rocks can be fun and blowing bubbles will always put a smile on your face. A has taught me to stop taking life so seriously and learn to laugh. She looks at everything with a curious eye and asks non stop questions. She's my breath of fresh air when work is getting crazy and I need a break to be a kid again.
A and I have much planned for the entire summer. We're going to jump into playing mini golf, visiting the local historical museums, and even ride a few rollercoasters at Busch Gardens. All in all, we're going to teach each other everything we know.
Thanks for being my little A. You are the best gift ever.
Signing off,
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