Making a Difference

 

15 years ago I met my little brother, Joe. He was 10, having anger issues and his father was out of the picture. We met regularly and had some good times, like- going fishing, hiking, 4 wheeling and just doing stuff. We did this for about 5 years until he moved out of state. The last I heard he was partying a lot, had an accident, lost his drivers license and just was not doing well. I had always wondered if what we did those 5 years, the time I spent with him, ever made a difference. Did anything I said or exemplified help this kid?

Well he came back to town this week and called me up. We went out for dinner and went to my 11 year old kid's soccer game (how time flies). At age 25 he says he has stopped partying, has had a steady job and girlfriend (and NO children out of wedlock!). He has dreams of saving for and opening up his own business.

So I asked him if the times we spent together when he was young ever made a difference to him. He said, "You were the only one in my life that accomplished anything or had anything. You were the one that showed me that I can do something if I work hard at it." He says his favorite thing to do when not working is going up in the mountains hiking and 4 wheeling.

I guess it was worth it :)

Sometime it may take a while but caring makes a difference.

Try it.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah