Age is Just a Number

Big Brother John walked into the Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas office in Paris last November. He wanted to be a Big Brother but feared that at the age of 81, he may be too old for the program. When he turned in his application he said he completely understood if a child would rather have a "younger and cooler" Big Brother.

During the volunteer interview he explained that his wife had passed away a few years ago. A man of many talents, John is an avid woodworker, gardener and fisherman and wanted to share those skills with a boy who might appreciate them. He thought if a Little Brother would have him, he would love to be a Big Brother.

During his volunteer interview, he again stated his concerns that no one would want a Big Brother his age, but the match consultant that interviewed him knew differently. His passion for life and energy were that of a much younger man and she knew that the agency would find a very special Little Brother that would love to have John as a Big Brother.

Meanwhile, Little Brother Noah was having a tough time. His match with his Big Brother had closed because the Big Brother moved out of state. Even worse, his grandfather with whom he was very close had recently passed away. Noah became very depressed and his grades began to fall. Then things got better.

John and Noah were matched in March of this year and they are amazing together. John is able to share his passion for fishing, gardening and woodworking and Noah has found someone almost as special as his grandfather. Noah's grandmother recently called the Paris office to tell us that Noah and John are a match made in Heaven. We couldn’t agree more.