Jamie has known Jennifer for more than 20 years. Even today, the mother of four talks to her former Big Sister in ways that she doesn’t with other people.
“I don’t confide in a lot of people about a lot of things,” Jamie said. “Jennifer is one of the people I trust.”
The trust began developing in 2005 when they were matched. Jamie was a funny, outgoing child who loved food, who loved to cook. Her mom signed her up for BBBS after seeing what having a mentor did for Jamie’s cousin.
As a Little Sister, Jamie was open to trying new things. And “she was so fun to be around,” Jennifer said. They still have fun. Occasionally they get together at a Mexican restaurant to catch up. During the holidays, they bake cookies just like they did when they were matched.
These days, Jamie tries to be like her Big Sister – someone a child can look up to.
“I want my kids to be proud of their mother and the things she’s accomplished and how she handles life when times are hard,” she said. “Being a Little has definitely shaped the mother I am today.”
“She’s an incredible mother,” Jennifer said. “Jamie has become a very determined, headstrong woman who knows what she wants, and she goes after it fiercely. She has taught me so many things over the years.”
Being a kid, things get rocky at times, Jamie said. “Jennifer was always there to support me and give me encouragement and advice. She helped me overcome things that I don’t know how I would have overcome without her.”
Jennifer is “one of the ones I can depend on,” she said.
