BBBS Littles Thank Their Bigs

Thursday, January 22, 2009 is National Thank Your Mentor Day.  We asked our Littles to submit thank you messages to their Bigs.  Read the messages below.  We are very proud of our Bigs and our Littles and want to say a special thank you to all our Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

Little:  Garrett, 17 years old
Big:   Larry Grau

Message to Big:  "Thank you for being a wonderful mentor and friend. I will always appreciate the wise advice you gave, but mostly I will remember the fun times we had. You worked very hard, and somehow always kept your sense of humor and fun, even when things were not going the best for you. Thank you for being my Big. I will never forget you."  -  Little Brother Garrett

Little:  Duane, 13 years old
Big:   Clay Vernon

Message to Big:   "Thank you for spending time with me. I like the things we get to do. I hope we can continue to see each other and do things together." - Little Brother Duane

Little:  Armondo, 10 years old
Big:  Carl Jelly

Message to Big:   "What I appreciate about my Big Carl is he just the greatest Big ever. I can talk to him about anything he is very supportive in the things I do. Like when I play basketball he is always there. I am thankful for him for teaching me how to swim and using my money wisely, and many other things. Most of all I enjoy spending time with Carl. To me it couldn't have not been a better match. Thank you. " - Little Brother Armondo

Little:  Mohan, 14 years old
Big:   Dan and Carla Powers

Message to Bigs:  "Dear Dan and Carla: Thank you for spending time with me and being such great role models and mentors. I have a great time each time we go out together... I was very worried when I first met you both. Now, I am happy that you're in my life and hope we stay friends for a long time to come. Thank you."  - Little Brother Mohan

Little:  Denisha, 12 years old
Big:  Elaina Huffman

Message to Big:  "Elaina is a great big. She has been my big now for about 5 years. She is my confidante' and best friend. Elaina is a very positive roll model big for me to pattern after. I can talk to Elaina about any and everything without being judged. She is helping me to succeed above and beyond in school as well as in my everyday life. Elaina is like my real birth big sister and I love her and will always cherish our friendship. Thank you."  - Little Sister Deneisha

Little:   Joey, 14 years old
Big:  Michael Weiss

Message to Big:  "Michael, Thank you so much for taking me to the places that you take me!!!! I tell you thank you, but I still do not think that it is enough just saying thank you! You take me all over Kansas, to watch the Kansas Jayhawks kick some butt every time we see them! You take me to play with Daniel, he is so funny!!!!!!! I just am so thankful that I have you as my Big Brother!!!!!!!!! You are so nice, even though that I always kick your butt on NCAA COLLEGE FOOTBALL, you still are a good sport!!!!!! When we hang out, its almost like playing with my dad, you are really fun to hang out with!!!!! To me, you are the best big brother EVER!!!!!!!!!!! You are such a great role model for me, always telling me to do my homework, stay in school, get good grades, be the best you can be!!! I hope that the new potential matches are as least half as close as we both are, and if they are, I am confident that they will be friends forever!! Love, Your Best Pal, Joey!!!!!!!!!!"  - Little Brother Joey

Little:  Emily, 15 years old
Big:  Carissa Rey

Message to Big:  "Carissa- I always have a good time with you! I consider you one of my best friends! I am so glad that you are my big sister, I couldn't imagine a better big sister! I appreciate everything you have done for me. THANK YOU!"  - Little Sister Emily

Little:  Gary, 13 years old
Big:  Jerry and Mercedes St. Elin

Message to Bigs:  "Dear Jerry and Mercedes, I want to thank you very much for taking time out of your busy day to mentor my son, Gary. He has said nothing but nice things about the both of you. I congratulate you on your willingness to make a difference in a child's life and I feel blessed to have you both. Keep spreading your beautiful smiles and continue to do a great job!" - Mom LaTanya

Little:   Keondra, 9 years old
Big:   Julie Strick

Message to Big:  "I have the greatest Big Sister. Julie calls me and on Thursday we go and hang out. My Aunt Chrystal's birthday was December 17, 2008. Julie took me to her home and we made cookies for my Aunt. They were really good. Julie is kind and smart. She makes me smile. On Wednesday we are going to make ginger bread houses and I am so glad she is my big Sister." - Little Sister Keondra

Little:   Brahm, 9 years old
Big:  Bruce Copeland

Message to Big:  "I like spending time with Bruce because he has a lot of compassion for everyone who meets his path. He has helped me become more inspiring and to appreciate that everyone is created equal. I am thankful for Bruce because now I have a big brother that is very nice to me." - Little Brother Brahm