The year was 1998 and I had just taken a new staff training position with Jeffco Schools. I took on this new job to earn more money and it wasn’t long before I was miserable in my four by four foot cubicle. Prior to this time I was teaching and inspiring students to do their best. I’d heard about BBBS but wasn’t sure if it would fill the void of having youth in my life. I attended an informational meeting and signed up.
It took until September 10th of that year to finally meet my little—nine-year-old Cody. We hit it off and a few years later his younger brother (Taylor) also got a Big Brother. Unfortunately, that match did not last. After a few times of picking up Cody for an activity and observing Taylor watching us leave, I decided to ask if maybe I could take on another Little. This was rather unusual to have one Big with two matches in the same family, but eventually BBBS granted my wish. I did individual activities with each, along with a monthly activity we’d do together.
Despite the extra time involved I was thrilled it worked out— so well in fact we continued the match through each of their high school graduations. Being part of these two boys lives has been a true blessing in my own life. Although Cody and Taylor are successfully pursuing their own careers, we still get together every so often for a long standing bowling competition and often birthdays. Thank you BBBS for the opportunity to make a difference and congratulations on one hundred years! I’m happy I could be a part of the last twenty. Greg Pattridge 2008 Big of the Year.