This evening our agency hosted a bowling party for kids from a community center from one of the more beleagured parts of the city. Boys and girls between 6 to 16 go to the center every day after school and participate in reading, music and art projects. In exchange the kids must promise to follow the center's rules to a tee.They met us at the bowling alley, and each and every one of them hugged and thanked us as soon as they arrived. Then we were paired woman/girl or man/boy. My bowling buddy was an 11 year old named Brianna. When we weren't bowling or eating pizza, she was telling me about her younger brother and older sister, and I told her about my cats. Turns out, though, that the real stellar attraction of the evening was my purse. Specifically my make up bag (she loved my lotion) and my phone (a photo of my cat Charlotte is the wallpaper).
It was tiring, because these kids were pretty lively, but also very satisfying. Tonight's special event was their reward for good school attendance and avoiding gangs. All the hugs were my reward, and I feel I got the better end of the deal.
For years I was a Big Sister with Big Brothers/Big Sisters... it was rewarding and exhausting.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a good, giving person....
ReplyDeleteThis child was left with great memories...something that does not have a price tag!