Testimonials

Are you a big sister or a big brother who would like to share your story? Let us know!

Cheryl Murray

Former Big Sister Cheryl Murray compiled a scrapbook of the activities she and her Little Susan Handrich did together, but it wasn?t just a ragtag collection of scattered events. The two were matched for seven years, from 1979 to 1986, and every single meeting between the two is included and detailed in the book.

''Once I commit to something,'' Cheryl says, ''I'm going to stay with it.''

The book begins Feb. 7, 1979, when Cheryl and Susan watched hot air balloons over Madison and ''stopped off to eat at A&W.'' The last entry is dated 1995 when Susan married. In between are pages and years of friendship, including pictures of the two camping, sewing, going to Wisconsin Dells, bowling, and playing Scrabble. Cheryl says doing all these activities was wonderful, because she got to do all the kid things she would never have been able to do.

The two's relationship blossomed as the years went on. In the beginning Susan was shy, but it did not take long before she warmed up to Cheryl. And Cheryl fulfilled her wish of wanting to be matched with a young girl and do all kinds of neat things with her.

''It has been one of the better things I have ever done in my life,'' Cheryl says, ''to be able to share all these wonderful experiences Susan and I had together.''

Cornelia Clark

After more than a decade, Cornelia Clark still displays a picture of her former Little Sister Brenda's high school pom pon picture in her office. Brenda wrote, ''You'll always be my idol'' on the back of the photograph. ''That was very special to me because I never thought of myself that way,'' Cornelia says.

Cornelia decided to volunteer as a Big Sister in her early 30s when she was working in the clerk's office of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. ''I was going through a time in my life when I realized I wasn't going to have kids of my own?I had the time, and I thought I would give it a try,'' Cornelia remembers. She wanted to help someone who really needed the companionship and attention of a Big Sister.

Cornelia remembers how easy it was to be a Big Sister. She says of Brenda, ''She didn't demand a lot. She just liked to hang out with me.'' They enjoyed watching television and movies, making cookies, and going shopping at the mall. They also participated in BBBS activities like picnics. Once they went to an NAACP dinner together. Mostly they just laughed a lot. ''We were just silly together and had fun together,'' Cornelia says.

Brenda's positive attitude and humor amazed Cornelia. Even when she was having problems at home, Brenda always had a big smile on her face. ''I'll never forget her smile. She had a beautiful smile and wonderful laugh,'' Cornelia says.

Being a Big Sister enriched Cornelia's life. ''I learned that there's always a bright side. No matter what hand life has dealt you, you just keep going and live life the best you can,'' she says. Cornelia also reflects, ''It probably made me less selfish. It gave me the capacity to reach out to other people?to just be there for someone.'' She adds, ''I got a lot more out of it than I gave.''

Peter Lundberg

Big Brother Peter Lundberg, matched 12 years ago, still plays a part in his Little Brother Adam's life. ''We talk every week, and he now lives out of town, so we see each other about once a month,'' Peter says. He used to attend Adam's choir concerts when he participated in the Wisconsin Children's Choir. As Adam grew older, Peter saw him get his first job and first apartment. Now Peter and Adam enjoy going to movies together like the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Peter decided to become a Big Brother when he was 34. He lived in Madison and owned Gulliver's Travels, a travel agency. ''I was struck that there were hundreds of kids on the waiting list. I took it as an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a youth,'' Peter says.

Peter's experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters surpassed his expectations. He says of being a Big Brother, ''It allows you to examine your own life and encourages you to be a better role model.'' Peter enjoyed being able to give Adam advice and help him make good decisions. ''One thing that surprised me is how easy it is and how small of a commitment it is in the scheme of things,'' Peter adds.

Sue Ziegler Jones

''I could never imagine how enriched my life could possibly be until I became a Big Sister,'' says Sue Ziegler Jones. ''It has been almost 18 years since I was matched with my Little Sister Heidi.

''I remember BBBS trips to the American Players Theatre, Wisconsin Dells, a sail outing, and a metal detection outing. On our own, we visited Cave of the Mounds, the Heidi Festival in New Glarus, the State Capitol, Kids in the Crossroads, Madison Children's Museum, Farmer's Market, Vilas Zoo, and Devil's Lake. We also enjoyed just spending time at my house playing games, baking cookies, carving pumpkins, and decorating for holidays. Heidi even had her ''own'' room at my house, which she called the dollhouse room as it was decorated with pink wallpaper and housed many dolls and toys.

''On one very memorable occasion, we worked very hard to rehearse a dance routine for the BBBS Recognition Dinner. We dressed up in California Raisin costumes that Heidi's mom made and performed in front of a good-sized crowd. At the last minute, Heidi didn't want to perform, but with a lot of nudging the show went on and fortunately was a great hit. We both laugh that we still have the costumes!

''Yes, being a Big Sister offered me much more than I could imagine. The fun memories, sights, and sounds of Heidi experiencing things will forever be etched on my memory. I am proud to see Heidi is now all grown up and a dedicated wife and mother of three. We stay in touch and still laugh about our great experience as a Little Sister/Big Sister match. I have been fortunate to be rewarded with memories that will stay with me the rest of my life.''

Todd Hall

''When I saw John's picture and heard his story, I knew immediately we had a match. John was an active boy, interested in sports and going to movies. His sister had been matched up with a Big Sister some time before that, and John had been waiting for a match for over a year. From the day I picked John, I've never regretted it.

''Over the years, we've taken trips to Milwaukee, Chicago and La Crosse, attended all kinds of sporting events, and seen more movies than I can remember (although somehow John keeps them all straight). No matter what we do or where we go, we always seem to have a blast. My favorite moments are when I arrive at his house, and he comes running toward the door and delivers one of his signature bear hugs. Those are the times when I know how much I mean to him. Hopefully, my hugs reciprocate that message.

''John's 13 years old now, so I've seen more than a few changes in him over the five years we've been together. I'm so proud of the young man he's become and all of the wonderful things he's accomplished. John has maintained a love for reading, a passion for sports, and an affinity for movies. Most of all, I'm proud of his accomplishments in school. John consistently makes the Honor Roll, and all of his teachers rave about how much promise he shows as a student. I have a feeling my proudest moments are yet to come.

''Even though I recently moved to Portland, John and I still remain in close contact. I get back to Wisconsin every few months and make it a point to drive to Madison to see him every time I'm back. I recently became engaged, and my fiancé and I have asked John to be a part of our wedding party. He's excited about the prospects of wearing a tuxedo for the first time (and a little nervous, too). For me, it's another opportunity to give John a new experience in his life, and we look forward to having him as a part of our special day.

''So even though John and I are separated by time zones now, he's never far from my mind. Hopefully he knows how much I miss him and how important he is to me. If words can't explain it, we'll always have our bear hugs.''

Bill Hebert

''My experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County has been incredible. I have been a Big Brother for over four months with my Little Brother Jeffrey, and this has been a tremendous opportunity. I have had informal ''little brothers'' for over eight years in Madison, and continue to maintain relationships with the ''young men.'' However, this is my first experience with an official Little. So, my connection with Jeffrey has been special and worth every minute.

''Jeffrey and I met at a University Pals program in March. We bonded quickly, and it started off a wonderful friendship. After going through the formal process to connect with him, it was no surprise that we had so much in common. We get along great, and enjoy doing many things together?especially things neither of us have ever experienced. We went to Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey circus for the first time, rode our first roller coaster, and enjoyed many other things together that were first experiences. One of the ways this has impacted me has been the opportunity to take Jeffrey to things he had never attended such as a Major League Baseball game, Six Flags, paintball, and billiards. We have also experienced new foods together, and attended programs on the UW campus.

''Jeffrey also has a great family, and I know that our relationship is the beginning of something quite special. I am eager to continue being a part of his life, while assisting him with life and watching him grow. He is my Little Brother, and I definitely also consider him a friend. This is a very positive experience for us both, and I am grateful for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County for making it truly happen. The impact from my view, is exactly what the program is supposed to be about?providing little moments and creating big magic.''

Mara McGlynn

Becoming a Big has not only enhanced my capacity to empathize, but also my capacity to love.  One simple yet significant aspect of being a Big is that it truly has made me a better person.  Prior to becoming involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, I had a strong desire to help others which led to my position at a local, non-profit neighborhood center.  It is easy to sense the difference one person can make when building relationships with the many kids that came through the doors.  It is a powerful feeling to have such a rewarding job.  This led to my decision to become a Big, although I’m not sure it’s a decision for which I can claim credit.

Marquis attended program at the neighborhood center.  Shortly after meeting him it became clear to both of us that our time together at the center just wasn’t enough.  Marquis isn’t one of those easy kids.  He is consistently finding himself “in trouble,” but has immeasurable intelligence and insight.  One of his teachers said it best – he is an easy kid to love.  While many Bigs join BBBS in hopes of making a difference through mentoring a child, my decision to join was simply to legitimize becoming a more significant part of Marquis’s life and he of mine.  I had turned Marquis down many times when he requested spending time together outside of programming, so he was thrilled to hear that BBBS would allow us to do so.  His first question – how long will you be my Big Sister for?  I smiled and responded, I guess until you don’t want me anymore.  His response, an excited - you mean til I’m grown?  For me, that’s an easy commitment.

Marquis and I have been technically “matched” for one and a half years and have known each other for three.  He has matured from an attention-seeking, needy kid into a trusting, respectful young man.  And yes, he is becoming a man and he is quick to tell anyone when the subject arises.  There are days when I question any impact I may have, when I worry there are too many other influences, that he won’t make it.  But more often than not, there are days when he surprises me with his poise, positive outlook on life, and desire to do more.  His potential is infinite and I selfishly hope that I may contribute to its fulfillment. 

While the aforementioned changes and future possibilities are all wonderful parts of being in Marquis’s life, my favorite part about being his Big Sister is I get to have another member in my family.  He is with me almost every day throughout the summer, and a few times each week during the school year.  We both enjoy going new places and trying new things, like his first ice skating experience last winter.  As with the majority of things Marquis tries, he was a natural.  He enjoys laying low as well, spending time at my house with my soon-to-be husband.  I overheard him talking with my friend after spending the night my house of a moment he had, and although I won’t be able to tell it quite as well as him, it went something like this:

“I got out of the shower this morning, put my towel around my waist, started putting on AP’s (my fiancé) Old Spice deodorant, looked in the mirror, and shoot!  I really felt like a man.”

Marquis is ten years old now and one of the most important people in my life.  The plans we have together are endless, and if you ask Marquis he can rattle off a list of things we’re apparently going to do together in the near future.  Things like Badger games, Wisconsin Dells, Fast Forward, or go-carting as soon as he can pass the 54 inch height requirement.  To any potential Bigs out there, please don’t underestimate the commitment that being a Big is, but more importantly, understand the significant impact that being a Big has on not only the life of a child but your life as well.  It really is one of the best decisions I have made.  Marquis will be a part of my wedding tomorrow.   As he was trying on his suit the other day I glanced over at him and was overwhelmed with pride and love for my little brother.