“I first met my big when I was just 6 years old. At first it was a little strange, but I soon realized at a young age that this was a very special person in my life and I was so happy that we were connected.

I grew up in a home where we did not receive much guidance and there was no structure.

When with my big, nothing else mattered. She always had a way to bring joy into my day and each interaction that we had.

As time went on our relationship became stronger and stronger. After a few years went by we left the organization and just became really good friends. I used to explain her to people as being my guardian angel.

As the years went on life handed us some obstacles and no matter what I was there for her and she was there for me. We always found a way to stay connected.

There were two separate occasions where I went to live with her as things in my home were not going very well. She happily took me in with arms wide open. She showed me what a healthy home was supposed to look like. She taught me how to take care of myself, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

When I was 14 years old, my mom left us and we had to find somewhere else to live. I was only in high school and didn’t know what to do.
With a little hesitation, I picked up the phone and called my big. Told her what was happening and with no hesitation she opened up her doors to me and I went to live with her again.

I was able to finish high school, and began to plan for college. I held my first job and was able to learn to save for my future.

Years went on and I was getting married. I asked her if she would walk me down the isle. She happily said yes.

Anytime I ever needed her she was there with no hesitation.

Another few years passed and I had 3 children now, but was in an abusive marriage.

She guided me and supported me into getting the help that I needed and the help my kids needed.

My husband was diagnosed with a very serious mental illness and I found myself living a traumatic/toxic life.

Through all of the hard times in my marriage she was always there to pick me up and just listen. No matter what. There came a time when my marriage took a turn for the worst and my husband had to be placed in jail.

Countless days and nights she remained on the phone with me as I cried and cried. A month later my husband committed suicide. She drove 3 hours to get to the hospital to be with me, and help me to say goodbye.

I was now left confused, and raising 3 kids on my own. But I was never alone, as my big was with me the whole time. Picking me up when I would fall, and it offering a laugh at the perfect time. She was even the one to help me talk to the kids about what had happened to their dad.

Why am I telling you all this?

It’s because when I was 6 years old and was sat down in a room to meet my big for the first time. No one would have been able to predict what would happen next.

The organization did the best job matching the two of us, connecting us to each other. Now it was up to us to create that lasting bond.

These connections can be much more than we believe to be possible. The impact can create a life that is full of joy, love and positivity.

The truth is, I don’t know where I would be if this match was not made. I have become the woman and loving mother I am today because of the connection to my big. She has taught me most of what I know. And, without her I don’t even want to imagine where I would have ended up.

She gave my life purpose and a reason to keep moving forward in moments when it felt impossible.

We are looking into making it official really soon and filling out adoption papers!!

Colleen and I were matched 29 years ago, and our relationship is still going strong today.

I am incredibly grateful for the impact this organization has had on my life. Saying Thank you would never be enough.

I now have 2 of my children in the program. My daughter was matched perfectly and their connection reminds me of mine with my big.

I feel they have done it again. We couldn’t be happier with the impact this relationship/mentor ship has had in her in only 2 years. Hayley is an incredible human.

My son also was matched with a big couple. At first we thought it was a great match. The couple was absolutely lovely, and are really great people. But it was missing something.

The connection and mentoring was not there. After a year, It was a hard decision, but we listened to our intuition and asked to part from the relationship.

We ended up going back on the list to match him up again.

We have now been matched with someone who he connects with and who really sees my son for who he is. Kadin is an energetic, kind man who within only a few months has brought a level of joy to my sons life.

I can go on forever about how much this organization has impacted my life and now the lives of my children.

It’s like they give you a paint brush and a blank canvas. They put all the positive intentions inside the canvas, but it’s up to you to paint the picture.

What will yours look like?

My canvas has some black and white from the early days. But now is full of colour.

Thank you for taking the time to read about ho this organization has made an impact in my life and is now in the lives of my children.”

In love and light

Valerie