Wade and Michael were matched with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado in November 2009 when Michael was just 7 years old. Michael said he remembers the introduction feeling a little awkward, recognizing they are strangers to one another at the start, but remembers even more vividly how much fun they had fun together. Years and years later, Michael now describes his match as “perfection,” saying: “I could not have been paired with a better person.”
Wade wanted to be a mentor to someone and Big Brothers Big Sisters was able to give him the kind of experience he was hoping for as a volunteer. “It is fulfilling,” Wade said, and that he is certain he’s gotten so much good from this experience too, even if Michael doesn’t realize how he’s changed his life.
This past year, Michael and Wade shared a very important moment together, when Michael told Wade that he is gay. A few months later, Wade and Michael attended Denver’s PRIDE festival together. Michael said, “Big Brothers Big Sisters provides that area for kids who don’t have strong family relationships, so the mentor provides a safe place. You get that support. You get that opportunity that someone cares and gives you the support you need.” 
Wade said he truly appreciates the support system that BBBSC provides for its mentors, Littles and families because it shows how valuable commitment and connection are in a match relationship. Michael said that every Little Brother and Sister in our program should always feel safe with their mentor. He believes that Wade has always been a safe, committed person in his life, someone he can simply be himself around.
Congratulations to Michael and Wade and their growing friendship!