First outing with Little Brother

I just became a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Tonight was my first night out with my Lil Bro. He is 6 years old.

I just wanted to take a couple minutes and write a few words down about how much I my evening and how much I enjoyed it. I took him to a Springfield Sliders baseball game. I don't believe he has ever been to a game. His eyes were wide and he was full of questions. There is no shyness about this kid. If he wants to know something, he will just come right out and ask you. He is sharp as can be and soaks up everything around him like you wouldn't believe.

We watched an entire 9 innings and only a few times did he complain about how long it was taking. I taught him things like balls and strikes, the names of those men with blue shirts (umpires), how to read the scoreboard, the name of the place where the players sat (dugout), etc. I could see in his eyes he was just taking it in and processing it all. We ate dipping dots and a pretzel. He had his picture taken with Speedy the turtle mascot. We watched fireworks and at the end of the night he and a hundred other kids got to run the bases. It was a full 3 hours.

The thrill in his eyes was enough to make me glow inside. Not being around children much anymore, the night reminded me of how much I love them and why. They are challenging many times, but they are also so full of innocence just wanting to seek attention, knowledge, love, and fun from another. I am so thankful to have been led down the path that brought me to the decision of volunteering to be a Big Sis. I see my time with my Lil Bro as not only a time for him to learn and grow, but me too :)