Big to a Little - Part 1
A book I'm reading is bringing back memories of a time when I volunteered to be a Big Sister. For a year and a half, I got together with my 12-year-old "Little Sister" almost every weekend. And I remember having the same misconceptions as Sophie, the girl in the book:
"I figured from the beginning that this might be difficult. But that's not really true. I pictured games of Candyland and Disney movies. I never imagined self-mutilation and fires. Still, I can't return Crystal as though she's an appliance that broke before the warranty expired."
My Little wasn't quite as bad off as Sophie's. She had the same anger issues, but they were exhibited more in overeating and cross words than in cutting and setting fires. There were a lot of times I wanted to throw in the towel, just like Sophie, but I promised a year and, darn it all, a year is what I was gonna give her, even if it killed us both.From the beginning, we butted heads more times than not. She wanted to do things her way. I had control issues. Over time, I found that if I brought Christine along, who was around five at the time, things went smoother. And so, I got in the habit of including my Little in family events or borrowed a niece or nephew to do activities with us. With an "audience," we were both forced to be on our best behavior.
(to be continued...)
2 comments:
Hey I remember you two fighting all of the time. I thought you were a little crazy for staying with it but I guess when you say you are going to do something you should stick to it. You know like joining a gym and sticking to it. HAHAHAHA
Well, I was a little spoiled by my nieces and nephews who generally listened to what I told them to do. I forgot that some kids don't...lol. Actually, it was more than that. I wasn't supposed to be acting like her parent, but more as a friend. So, it was partly my fault too.
As for the gym, I did stick with it for the longest time, but got out of the habit a couple months ago, and I can't get my rear in gear to go back. And boy, do I ever need it.
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