Bowl For Kids' Sake- The most fun you will have in rented shoes!

Most children grow up wanting to be a veterinarian or a police officer; I had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up--I just knew I wanted to be a Big. My story with Big Brothers Big Sisters began years before I was even born. My grandmother was a hard-working single mother. She knew her teenage children would benefit from a positive influence in their lives, so she applied both of them to be Littles in the Springfield, MO Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. My mother was 13 at the time. That's when she met Tammy Cook, her Big Sister. My mom gave birth to me just before her senior year of high school. Tammy was always in her life and still is. She was her Maid of Honor, hosted her baby showers, and always stayed in touch. I've never known her by anything else than "Aunt Tammy." Her husband was my "Uncle Tim" and her sons were my cousins. It wasn't until I was older that I even realized she wasn't a blood relative. I thought nothing less of her than that. When I was in JH and HS, my mom started opening up to me about her struggles when she was in high school and as a young, single mom. She also explained how Aunt Tammy played a role in all of that.

Even though Aunt Tammy wasn't officially my "Big," I felt like she was. She played just as big of a role in my life as she did in my mom's. Without BBBS, I truly believe our lives would look very different today. My mom and Aunt Tammy have a very special bond, just like blood sisters do. I knew that I wanted that irreplaceable bond one day. I just wanted to pass on all the love and positivity BBBS had brought to my life.

After I graduated college and felt that I had enough time to devote to a Little, I applied to be a Big. During my interview, I was so optimistic. My dreams were obviously huge. My entire interview revolved around my story with BBBS, how I can't imagine a life without Aunt Tammy, and how I dreamed of being "Aunt Taylor" to my Little's children one day. My BBBS sponsor warned me of my high hopes...my BBBS success story is not common. Sometimes strong bonds form, sometimes they don't. And sometimes there's situations that end the relationship that you just can't control.

After the interview, I was not so optimistic--I felt that I was hoping for something that was a one in a million shot. It never appeared to be that my story wasn't common-I thought all of the relationships lasted a lifetime. I was also so nervous I wouldn't be what they were looking for. It had been a dream for years and I so badly wanted to continue what Aunt Tammy had started. I was so afraid.

The day I got approved was one of the happiest days of my life. Once you're approved, you get a list of Littles with their biographies and a description of their personalities. During the application process, I had mentioned that I thought I would work best with a teenager. I was expecting my entire list to be full of teenagers--and it was, except for the first potential Little: Summer, age 7.

I still remember her answer to the question, "What do you think you're good at?" "Being nice to others and making friends." Considering her history, that response was so sweet and innocent.

Summer and I matched on July 15, 2016 and it has been every thing I ever dreamed of since.

Summer and I have been with each other 4-10 hours a week since. We like to watch movies and paint our nails. We have been gifted tickets to see the KC Royals and Sporting KC. She also has the greatest bond with Donald!

When I met Summer, she was quick to tell me her fears: automatic flushing toilets, losing friends, and dogs. Just a few weeks ago, she asked to walk my Great Dane! How crazy! I also started making a scrapbook with her to put all of our memories in. We labeled it "Taylor and Summer's Infinite Adventure." We learned what infinite means and I assured her that this meant that I wasn't going anywhere-I would always be around.

Her little personality is just blossoming! She is confident enough now to tell her dad her likes and dislikes, which is a huge improvement as well. She used to be the "I don't know" kid. It makes me so happy to see her grow into such a unique and happy little girl.

Summer has also been a huge blessing in my life. I just recently went through a 2-week period of time where 3 people that are close to me passed away and all unexpectedly. I had to miss a week with Summer because I was not doing well emotionally and had to go to several visitations and funerals. The first time I saw her afterwards, I asked her if it was okay if we just had a quiet night with mac&cheese and cuddling on the couch. I told her I was sad without any other details. She replied, "I can make you feel better, that's what sisters are for." ❤

Summer has blown all of my expectations for BBBS out of the water. I truly feel like she is my sister and that this will be an infinite adventure.