A BIG Thank You to Big Brother Rick

A great match deserves celebration and appreciation. Since Little Brother Wyatt met Big Brother Rick in 2018, Rick has shown exceptional dedication to guiding and being present for his Little Brother. Both Wyatt and his mom Teresa are grateful for Rick and his family’s enduring acceptance and commitment to Wyatt for 6 years now.

“His true commitment is amazing, which I am so thankful for,” Teresa shared.

Starting School Buddies

When Wyatt was in second grade, his parents were going through a divorce which prompted Teresa to seek out a source of positivity for her son, specifically a supportive man to mentor him. Wyatt was shy, and he had trouble making friends. He was also struggling with reading comprehension, so signing him up for a School Buddy seemed like the right option. But Wyatt was just hoping to meet a nice person who would do fun things with him. According to both, Rick exceeded their expectations for the program.

Being matched with Big Brother Rick felt comfortable and familiar for Wyatt and Teresa. Turns out, Rick was the veterinarian that they had been taking their dog to for years!

Immediately, Rick showed his readiness to better Wyatt’s life.

“Rick would go every week and sit with him and read, and he would let Wyatt read to him. That meant a lot to me as a parent, that he really took that role on to help my son. And I appreciate Rick for it,” said Teresa.

Every week, Wyatt and Rick would meet to read and hang out at school. They also started a tradition: getting a treat from Dairy Queen. Rick would soon know Wyatt’s go-to order (a caramel shake) which would become a staple in their outings for years to come. Rick would often bring Wyatt a caramel shake to their lunches which served as an extra special way to brighten his school day.

Soon, Wyatt was getting older and there came a decision to make. Big Brothers Big Sisters asked if Wyatt wanted to stay matched with Rick and switch to Community-Based mentoring.

“We got asked if Wyatt wanted to change to a different Big Brother. And I was like, ‘Whatever you want to do,’ and he said ‘No, I want to stay with Rick,’” said Teresa.

Community-Based Brothers

According to Wyatt, he and Rick have spent the years since “making a better bond and getting to know each other better.” They do this through their chill and enjoyable outings together. Their favorite activities involve crafting model rockets/ airplanes/ boats or playing board games at Rick’s house. Over the years, Wyatt has often been included in Rick’s family events, playing with his grandkids and spending time with his wife too. Teresa says Wyatt has been treated like a grandchild in their household, always with love and kindness.

When Wyatt got sick for a year, Rick was one of his biggest supporters, always checking up on him and, of course, bringing along a caramel shake to cheer him up.

“Wyatt had a condition, HSP, and he was really sick for about a year, and Rick was amazing. He would text and call and come and check on Wyatt,” said Teresa.

Throughout the years, Rick and his wife both were great at reaching out to Teresa about how things were going, how Wyatt was feeling, and potential activities to do.

Teresa also wants to thank Rick’s wife who, although she is not Wyatt’s Big Sister, has taken on that role, always welcoming Wyatt into her home and helping with what they have planned.

“His wife has been very instrumental as well. She’s very involved. She would cook with Wyatt. I want to include her because she did a lot. She would reach out to me, so I really appreciate her as well,” explained Teresa. “And so, it’s a family affair. That says a lot about the family and that they loved Wyatt as a person as well.”

Where to Next?

With Wyatt now entering high school as a freshman, much has changed since they first met in second grade. Wyatt, initially very shy and unwilling to talk, now has a much more open demeanor and has made close friends. He has big goals too, hoping to become a civil engineer one day.

“He’s starting to come out of his shell. I really owe that a lot to Rick and his wife because Wyatt was very withdrawn with the divorce and everything, so Rick was really good for Wyatt,” Teresa shared.

And Rick has been there for him as a supporter and person to spend time with since the beginning, watching his Little grow up since their first lunch together, and even before when Wyatt would go with Teresa to their dog’s vet appointments. Wyatt hopes to continue meeting up with his Big Brother as he gets older. Teresa hopes Wyatt and Rick stay in each other’s lives as well.

“I hope to continue that relationship with him and his family regardless of being in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program because I feel like they’ve become part of our lives as well. We may not see them daily, but they have become part of our lives, and I am very grateful for them,” said Teresa.

“I would say to him that he’s a good person, and I appreciate him taking the time out of his day to be with me,” said Wyatt when asked what he’d like to share with his Big.

Being an Everyday Hero

Mentorships always have a ripple effect, changing more lives than initially meets the eye. Because of her incredible experience as a parent in the program, and the effect it had on her son, Teresa is now inspired to one day become a Big Sister herself. When the time is right, she wants to give back and make a difference in a child’s life in the way that Rick did for her own son. Wyatt also recommends the program, finding it has always been a positive in his life.

“I recommend it to kids who don’t have a lot of people in their lives, or they don’t know a lot of people. It’s a good program, and it’s fun to have and do,” said Wyatt.

“I would encourage them to do it. It has been it’s been a huge positive part of my son’s life and also mine, so I’m very grateful for the program,” said Teresa.

Wanting to make a difference? Learn more about volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters here. Wanting to take the next step? Start the application process here.