When I was 10 years old, my father died while my family was vacationing in New York. He had kidney problems and required dialysis every couple of days. The last time I saw my dad, he gave my sisters and me money to go to spend the day at the amusement park next to our campground. He and my mom had go to the hospital for his dialysis treatment. I don't remember if we thanked him. I sometimes feel jilted that I didn't get as much time to know my father the way my brothers and sisters did (I am the last of eight kids). I know we would have been a real pair because I often hear that I am "a chip off the old block".

I am amazed at the job my mom did raising us by herself. She made sure that we were fed, clothed, educated and loved. The only thing that she couldn't be for me was a male roll model. Fortunately for me, I had four older brothers to help me when I needed help, and kick me in the ass when I needed my ass kicked. I can't imagine what I would have done without them.

This is why I choose to become a big brother ten years ago. There are so many kids out there who don't have a male roll model that would benefit from a mentorship program such as Big Brothers. Although it can be very challenging, it is a very rewarding experience.