Shaun and Brice became a Big and Little Brother match 25 years ago! Below, Shaun shares a letter on their experience as this special relationship continues to grow.
It’s been more than 25 years now since I was matched with my Little Brother, Brice. Becoming Brice’s Big Brother has been one of the most joyful and positive experiences of my life. It is a relationship that has grown and thrived, teaching us both unexpected and enduring lessons about love, friendship and family. Simply put, BBBST has changed our lives in wonderful ways.
Though our “official” relationship ended almost 15 years ago when Brice turned 18, our brotherhood has only grown deeper. During this time, Brice has achieved so many amazing milestones. He graduated from university, earned a master’s in education, and is in his third year as a teacher in the TDSB, where his positivity and passion are inspiring new generations. He has also become a wonderful husband and a devoted father to his son, Laith, who was born in 2022.
My own family has also grown. My son, who serendipitously shares the same birthday as Brice, is now 17 and my daughter is 15. As our families have grown, they have only grown closer. Simply put, we are all family now. Our wives are devoted friends, our children love each other, we spend cottage vacations together and often share birthdays and other special moments.
Over the holidays, Brice, Basma and Laith, joined us for Christmas. As we laughed, played with Laith, opened gifts, shared stories and celebrated the season, it felt like such an incredible blessing. Adding to our joy, the most precious gift that day was the news that Brice and Basma are expecting their second child. As Christmas drew to a close, and they prepared to leave, Laith gave me a magical goodbye hug and said, “I love you Uncle Shaun.” It was a moment I will treasure forever.
While Brice will always be my Little Brother, our brotherhood has only grown through our connection as fathers and friends, and the love shared by our families. It is a powerful connection that has shaped both our lives, making us better men, husbands and fathers
As a new year begins, I am so excited to celebrate the birth of Brice and Basma’s second child and to grow in my new role as Uncle Shaun. Adding to the fun, Brice and my son have joined my softball team, and we’ll all be playing together for the first time this year. I couldn’t be happier.
I am so grateful to BBBST and so proud to be Brice’s Big. Our quarter-century journey together has been one of the great joys of my life. I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years brings.